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Weaning

Weaning at 4 months.Advice please.

18 replies

mrsnec · 29/01/2015 10:44

Hi all,

dd is 4 months old.

Went to the pediatrician on Monday and she told us to start weaning.

Dd was born 5 days early. She weighed 3 kg and is now 7.she's also quite tall. She's teething and can almost sit unaided and holds her head very well.

She's ff. I couldn't bf,although I did both for the first 2 weeks. She's on 6oz of aptamil 4 or 5 times a day.

So, the pediatrician told us to only use Hipp organic baby rice once a day made with 3 oz taken from one of her bottles and to give her the rest of the bottle if she's still hungry.

I know we're only on day 3 but it's not going well. Pediatrician said specifically she wants dd eating things with no sugar and things we can mix with her own milk as opposed to the stuff you make with water.

Dd has grasped the feeding itself but stops after a few spoonfuls and cries. So I then give her the rest of the bottle. We've tried different times of day and different positions ie, highchair, on my lap or in her chair.

My gut feeling is that she doesn't like the taste of it not that she isn't ready. I feel like I want to try something else but not sure what given what the pediatrician said.

Can I mix it with something or try her on a fruit or vegetable purée? I have some Gerber stuff in a jar, I have bananas,I have some mashed butternut squash in the freezer and some stewed apple although I put honey in that so I'm not sure I can give her that.Anyway, what would you do?

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Gileswithachainsaw · 29/01/2015 10:51

Is there a reason they told you to wean now?

baby rice is crap mashed potato would be better fresh food is always better rather than packet stuff made up with mill.

A few spoon full is also more than enough as they just need a taste it's not a eat at this age. It also doesn't need to be done daily this early on either.

I weaned at 4 month but dd was ready there were no tears.

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Gileswithachainsaw · 29/01/2015 10:53

What I'd do? If she's crying personally id leave it for a bit.

or give half teh bottle a spoon or two of mashed potato then the rest of bottle and leave it at that

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mrsnec · 29/01/2015 11:10

I think that's my point too that I'd rather it be fresh stuff. Mashed spud is a great idea. Will try that and leave it after that if it doesn't work.

I'm not sure why the pediatrician suggested it. She did ask us a lot of questions before she said it in relation to her development which is why I gave a bit of background info.

Dd has always been a hungry baby and was hypoglycemic pretty much from birth which is one of the reasons I was bf and ff because I just couldn't satisfy her.

She also had a jab on Monday too so could just be out of sorts from that.

Don't like wasting food either so will also just try making up smaller quantities.

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seaoflove · 29/01/2015 11:15

Giles wasn't suggesting you give her mashed potato. I wouldn't - the texture is a bit thick and claggy for a four month old baby.

Tbh I wouldn't be giving anything other than milk at that age, there's no need.

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dementedpixie · 29/01/2015 11:17

I remember weaning dd around that age (10 years ago!) and when I look back she just wasn't ready for it. I weaned ds at 23 weeks and he took to it much better. If she isn't taking full bottles of milk then I wouldn't even think about adding food in if it isn't needed - there is no rush to solids especially if she doesn't seem to be enjoying them.

Why not stick to milk for a bit longer and try again in a few weeks.

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Gileswithachainsaw · 29/01/2015 11:19

It really doesn't need to be alot either. They shouldn't drop milk at this age. mashed root veg are a good place to start. that's not to say jars don't have their place they are fine for occasional use out and about. But fresh is better if you have the time and are able too.

Dd loved mashed parsnip and carrot.

It is quite sweet though so you can mix with the potato If you want to tone it down.

and honestly if she doesn't like it or isn't ready just give it a week or two and try again. freeze in ice cube trays

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suboptimal · 29/01/2015 11:20

If the doctor has advised weaning and you're still not sure, go back to the doctor and confirm why you have been given the advice and get some more detail as to how exactly to introduce solids.

Don't take a bunch of internet advice over the advice of your (presumably) qualified and experienced paediatrician.

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Artandco · 29/01/2015 11:23

I would give more milk tbh. 6oz 4x a day doesn't sound that much. Mine were breastfed but fed every 2 hrs at that age still. When I have looked after nephews they would also have 6oz every 2-3hrs in the day from 7am-11pm, so 6-7 feeds

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mrsnec · 29/01/2015 11:23

I just feel like I want to try something else. Even if it is just a spoonful or two before I give up for now So it was a good idea. It does feel like she's ready. Yes she's pfb but isn't a lot of parenting about instinct?

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dementedpixie · 29/01/2015 11:23

I don't think you are in the UK, is that right? (I don't think we get Gerber foods here and we wouldn't routinely go to a pediatrician)

Have they said why you need to be in such a rush to wean as it wouldn't normally be advised until closer to 6 months?

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dementedpixie · 29/01/2015 11:27
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mrsnec · 29/01/2015 11:40

No I'm not in the UK.

We're going to a private pediatrician here because I didn't like the ones in the hospital.

We were feeding 7oz at one point but were told not to because dd is overweight. They don't use percentiles here but I put her measurements into an online calculator and she's in the 95th in height and weight.

We're also a bit reluctant to change very much because she's sleeping very well.

Will read the mumsnet info but one of the reasons I hadn't so far was because everything I'd read so far said wait and pediatrician said do it now so I did feel a bit torn.

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Maranello · 29/01/2015 11:48

If she's 95th centile for height and weight, she is certainly not overweight! She's precisely in proportion. (My DS was 99th for both.)

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dementedpixie · 29/01/2015 12:14

a 4 month old baby cannot be overweight!!! you cannot put a baby on a diet either. If she wants 7 oz then for goodness sake give her 7oz!

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MissRatty · 05/02/2015 22:41

What sub said!

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newmumwithquestions · 19/02/2015 12:28

Do you know why the paediatrician recommended weaning at 4m and baby rice? I would try to find out why, then you can make an informed decision. I started weaning at 4.5 months (with a little bit of rice) and am now introducing protein even though dd is not yet 6 months, but this is following HV advice. My dd has devoured any purees we have put in front of her, but I mix everything with (breast or formula) milk as we need to make sure we don't drop calories through weaning... But that's what is working for us. There will be a reason why the paediatrician has recommended rice, can you go back and ask if an alternate (pureed potato for example) is OK to give?
Also maybe your LO isn't ready? She may be physically ready (sitting up, etc) but be getting what she needs at the moment therefore not interested in food yet.

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newmumwithquestions · 19/02/2015 12:29

which is basically a long winded way of saying I also agree with sub!

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Morelikeguidelines · 19/02/2015 19:58

I weaned with mashed carrots mixed with milk at that age with DD. Then went on to other fruit and veg - pears, parsnips, sweet potato etc.

I totally agree with demented pixie that you should give her the milk if she wants it - give her what she wants.

what about hungry baby milk?

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