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am I being pfb? HV suggested solids from 23 weeks, building to 3 meals a day by 6mo

6 replies

ThreeWheelsGood · 03/04/2013 09:45

We were hoping to start blw at 26 weeks., Baby is happily ebf, over average weight. HV said I should get started on one meal a day now (23 weeks) of solids to build up to 3 meals a day at 6 months old. She said the baby needs the nutrients and it'll be fun (but I read elsewhere milk still provides the bulk of nutrition til 12 months?) Signs of readiness are there, baby is sat in high chair accurately putting toys in mouth! Should I start now or wait til exactly 26 weeks?

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StealthPolarBear · 03/04/2013 09:47

If the baby is ready then I don't see the problem with a stick of cooked carrot om the tray. But the stress of 3 meals by 6m is mad!

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wannaBe · 03/04/2013 09:48

there isn't a magic button that presses at 26 weeks y'know. if baby is ready then crack on.

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yousankmybattleship · 03/04/2013 09:52

You are right that main nutrients come from milk, but it is good experience for babies to have a go at a bit of cooked carrot, some nice ripe mango etc. Mine loved it. I certainly wouldn't stress about 3 meals a day by six months but if your baby is ready then it makes sense to start. What do you think will be magically different at 26 weeks? Maybe your baby hasn't read your schedule!

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MortifiedAdams · 03/04/2013 09:52

Dear me, DD wasnt on three meals a day til.about ten months. Whats the rush? Agree though that you could start blw bow if you wanted - they either will.or wont pick up the food put in front of them.

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JakeBullet · 03/04/2013 09:57

I am a HV and I say "go with the cues your baby gives you". You don't need to start now...or at 26 weeks either if your little one is happy on milk. Neither is it necessary to have a baby on three meals a day at 26 weeks.....first food should be unpressured, fun and just tastes.
If you want to wait until your baby is sitting up then you can skip the mush stage and go straight to proper food...its worth googling "Baby Led Weaning" and there is some great advice on MN about it too.

I did BLW with my DS who is now 10 (oh it has flown by) and he indicated his readiness by snatching a roast potato off my dinner plate when he was about six months and cramming it into his face ....most of it went on the floor. I am not saying he didn't have the occasional mush from a jar but that isn't poison and it kept both grandmothers happy to be able to "feed" him. He didn't let that go on for very long though.

But but but....this is YOUR baby and YOU do what YOU want to do...if you are looking forward to starting at 26 weeks then go for it and enjoy it.

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ThreeWheelsGood · 03/04/2013 10:24

Thanks everyone. I know 26 Weeks is just a guide which is why I admit I'm being precious by thinking I should wait for this "magic" date!

So I think we'll start with one meal a day, BLW, this week. HV seemed insistent that 6mo baby should be on 3 meals a day... I was polite but