Baby Weaning Post Reply

[Rachey8701]

Hello!

My LO is 5 months old now and showing a lot of signs she's ready to be weaned, for example sits up well unaided, is very interested in what we are eating and often reaches out and tries to grab it, she can pick up toys and put them to her mouth with ease. I know the guidelines say wait until they are 6 months but I've read so many things published which contradicts that I'm not sure what to do!?

[pie81]

Well, my view is that there is certainly no harm in waiting till 6 months, however there is a possibility of harm in going early. Also (from the parent's point of view) weaning is a hassle as it makes it harder to fit everything into the day and get out and about for a while! So, I'd wait. If you do start early, I would definitely stay away from wheat and gluten and dairy until 6 months.

[Rachey8701]

I'm def not in a rush I just want her to be getting everything she needs that's all, she doesn't take as much milk as recommended (I know that's just a guideline) as she tends to get bored and play with the bottle instead of drinking it, although I guess if she's happy that's a good indicator all is ok. Thank you for your reply though.

[pie81]

Completely understand! But formula is actually quite a lot more nutritious than the early weaning foods (like baby rice and veg/fruit), so you wouldn't want her to cut down her milk further because she's filling up on those. No harm in giving her the odd bit to suck on though if she seems to want to.

[pie81]

Oh yeah, being bored during feeds at this age is common (it's worse if they are breastfed as they can't see anything!) You could try going to the park or cafe to give her her bottle as then she can watch the world while she drinks?

[sarahroo]

Ive been a nanny for 10 years I have weaned many babies, some from 4 months and some from 6 months. If you feel your child is ready and can stomach it then start the process! You know your child you will know if he or she is ready.

[mmb]

I started around 5 months for my three children. it helped very much with sleeping and also digestion (compared to formula milk). No reason to wait further, in my opinion, unless you have a family history of food allergies.

[mommyg]

I think it's ideal to wait until 6 months, but not always practical. Every baby is different, where 4-5 months is way to young, 5-6 months is not bad in my opinion. I weaned my baby at 5 months on paediatrician's advice (baby vomited often and paediatrician thought it would help - initially tried convincing me to wean from 4 months, but I couldn't do this). As others have said, the milk should be the main source of nutrition up to 6 months. Offer food in small portions to top up. Also, no reason to start with baby rice. Vegetables are much more nutritious and gentler on the tummy. Good luck - weaning is fun, but very messy!!

[lesterford]

Actually, the right time to start feeding solid food is 6 months, along with milk. As it does not feel them hungry and also it is nutritious for their health. To know more , visit website

[Hattie]

The WHO guidelines suggest aiming to get to 6 months on milk alone. However, they are only guidelines. Many babies are ready to move onto simple solids earlier than this, so if you concentrate on introducing babyrice a perhaps a few plain veggies such as carrots, sweet potato, parsnip and fruits such as pear and apple, keeping to that until 6 months, then gradually introduce more variety, arriving at proteins (chicken/fish) being introduced at 7 months, then you wil be up to speed.

It is a bit of an old wives tale that babies watching you eat, or trying to grab at food you are eating means they are ready for solids. It is now considered more likely that this behaviour is simply that your baby has reached an age where they are far more interested in, and interactive with, what is going on around them.

If you had a bouncing 10lb baby at birth, they may well need to be introduced to solids a little earlier than a 7lb baby. It's generally advised that signs are:
Baby wakes in the night (where previously he/she had been sleeping for 10-12 hours straight) and seeming genuinely hungry
Baby finishing full bottle feed but needing more and with more frequency
Baby demanding more feeds from the breast, again with more frequency

Get to as near to 6 months as you can without baby raiding the fridge by night and you will have done well!