Combining?!

[Marshmallow92]

Just a bit of help needed please! DD is 20 weeks now, she is ebf. Yes I am aware 6 months is the right time to wean. However everyone seems to have a different opinion on weaning so I'm very confused!
I don't think she is quite ready for weaning yet, however everybody else is constantly saying how she's 'definitely' ready because she's showing an interest when we're eating. The HV advised the other day that watching you eat isn't a sign as they watch us do most things!! Felt pressure to try solids a few weeks early, so she had fruit purée yesterday and took it fairly well. But what about BLW?!
Can she have a bit of purée, until giving her finger foods at 6months? Can you combine purées and then BLW? How much purée do I give her (if I continue to give purées) and what do I do about the breastfeeds, do they stay the same, as she's feeding on demand? It's a mine field. Any advice would be good

[Zahrah5]

You can combine any forms of food you want, purees or finger foods, there is no rule to that, you dont need to go one way or other. i think purees are more suitable for young babies who are not sitting yet.
Breastfeeds stay the same, food should mot replace breasteeds. They will only eat a spoon or two at first.
You start with purees of steamed vegetables, such as carrot, sweet potato, potato, peas, squash, green beans, butternut squash. Later add a drop of olive oil.
Hold on with fruit purees for 2-3 months.

[Heirhelp]

can I ask why you felt pressured? The research from WHO, mostly conducted in developed countries is very clear that it is safer baby Tom it start weaning until 6 months.

It is your decision but make sure it is based on the facts and what you think is best.

[Marshmallow92]

Thanks for your help! I've brought a book now on both traditional weaning and baby led weaning so hopefully it will give me more ideas.
heirhelp as everyone, ie family, gives their opinions and how they did it at such an age etc etc. I'm well aware of the current recommendations surrounding weaning. I know she's my child but other people keep saying "oh she's definitely ready for food, look at her watching me eat" and disregard that the advice is to wean at 6 months and that they watch you do everything! It's hard to know what to do, but she seems happy enough and satisfied just on milk still.

[Heirhelp]

Milk is better for your baby now and has everything she needs. When my Mum says she wants food I point out that she also wants my glass of wine but she is not getting that. I also point out that food as less calories so she will make more for milk or even better avoid the conversation. People are obsessed with babies growing up but they will be a long time an adult and they need to be allowed to be babies.

[Marshmallow92]

I absolutely agree!! People seem to think that because I'm hesitant to start solids it's because I don't want to let go as such. That's not the case I just want to do what's best! Everyone just likes sticking their nose in

[Flisspaps]

Puree and finger food is traditional weaning.

Don't give her solids until you think she's ready

[Welshcake77]

I live in Germnay where they have recently changed the guidelines and now recommend starting weaning from 17 weeks. i was very surprised and our paediatrician explained there is new research which shows it is better for babies to be exposed to foods earlier to reduce the risk of allergies. I know this goes against what we have all been told in the last few years but I just wanted to let you know that not all countries are on the same page with this topic. Anyway, we started with purees at five months and have just started introducing some fingers foods now she can sit up unaided. That was an important thing for me to wait for before letting her feed herself. Whether you do purees or BLW just remember that milk is the most important source of nutrition and capote is forbthe next few months.

[Kiwi32]

I wonder if the advice on allergies is related to research showing that introducing potential allergens while you're still bf reduces risk of allergy developing...perhaps they think at 17weeks more people are likely to still be bf?

If you feel you want to wait until 6 months then do. I had huge amounts of pressure to wean early, all very well meaning, but you know your baby. Hold firm for what's right for you!

I'm doing combined finger food and purées now as it's what works for us, just go with your instincts they're normally spot on!