Shall I wait until 26 weeks

[Mirshid]

My baby girl is 21 weeks and has been sitting unaided for the last week. She seems to have good coordination and is able to bring toys and a spoon (which I gave her to play with in preparation) to her mouth. Obviously I don't know whether she has lost the tongue thrust reflex as she hasn't tried anything yet. She appears generally content (EBF) and is sleeping through the night. I think she is probably ready to wean in that she is taking considerable interest in food but I don't want to risk digestive issues. Thinking that I will hold off for a bit longer but it's hard as she looks very sad when she watches me eat and she doesn't get any!

[ExBrightonBell]

I would think of it in terms of risks versus benefits. There are some risks from weaning early, which is why 26 weeks is recommended. I can't see any particular benefits for your dd to starting at 21 weeks.

As for taking interest in you eating, I bet she takes interest in you doing lots of other things too! At her age she won't have any idea that solid food is related to hunger, she's just curious about what you're doing. 5 weeks is no time at all to wait in the general scheme of things and will reduce any potential risks as well.

[Mirshid]

That is my feeling as well Brightonbell, it is the well meaning relatives that are encouraging me to start now! She is nearly 22 weeks so think I can withstand the pressure for another 4 weeks!

[josephine1986]

My.dd is.23 weeks and grabbed food.off my plate, chewed and.swallowed it. Dietitian etc all said this is fine.

[fledermaus]

So long as she's over 17 weeks, when you start is totally up to you.

[Gileswithachainsaw]

If she's happy as she is don't bother. If she's getting hungry and swipes off your plate let her get on with it.

[tiktok]

First off she is definitely, definitely not 'sad' when she sees you eat.

Second, it has nothing to do with relatives when you offer solids. They can mind their own business.

Third, it would not be a huge deal to wean her before 26 weeks, but I can't see why you would do so.

Fourthly, you could try her with a bit of (suitable) finger food if you really want to, and see if she can manage to get it into her mouth effectively, and eat it. She probably won't get more than the sloppiest trace of it in, and an even smaller amount to stay in, but as long as you have no high expectations, there's nothing wrong with that :)

[josephine1986]

I dont think my dd swiped food off my plate because she was hungry, but because she was very curious. Every mealtime was accompnied by her crying until i lether play with my food, now she stuffs her fpod into her mouth! Not much comes out the other end but its the instinct to learn, isnt it.
I held off as long as i could bear the crying for.
Honestly theres no rush its very messy and another stress ! So much easier just giving milk

[beccajoh]

I would wait if she seems happy enough. She's watching you eat because she's interested rather than wanting the food.

[Mim78]

Only benefit would be if she is v constipated I suppose - adding some fruit I mean!