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AIBU?

Baby weaning

77 replies

gizmosslave · 01/12/2017 21:26

Why and when did the weaning advice change from 4 months to 6 months? And how come if babies are not putting on weight or have allergies paediatrics suggest weaning early ( 4 months).

My baby is having huge issues with bowel movements and I’m wondering whether introducing some veggies would help? Obviously I know the current guidelines but I was weaned at 3 months and I’m fine!

Advice appreciated

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oblada · 01/12/2017 21:32

I'd suggest you do your research on this. The official guideline is pretty clear on this so I personally wouldn't do anything different unless I had some pretty sound professional advice on the matter...have u spoken to GP about your baby? Is your LO formula fed?

TrinitySquirrel · 01/12/2017 21:33

Try pre mixed (in the big or little travel bottles) formula warmed up. Works like a hot coffee does on adults.

Also if LO is on powdered formula it is horrific for constipation.

Weaning a 6m is now advised due to allowing enough time for healthy gut bacteria to develop. Also because BLW is now the preferred weaning technique which they have to be around 6m old to do. But they stick their hands all over everything and anything and then in their gobs from 4m so I wouldnt stress about giving your kid some pear or banana puree.

MaryWortleyMontagu · 01/12/2017 21:34

It was changed in 2003 (there had been a previous change in 1994 from 3 to 4 months) to comply with the WHO guideline of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months being optimal. Weaning before six months is also not officially recommended as most babies’ digestive systems and kidneys are not fully developed, which could lead to problems such as food allergies in the future.

kaytee87 · 01/12/2017 21:36

Are you formula feeding? If so are you definitely making your bottles correctly? Measuring the water before putting the powder in?
You could also try premixed or an ounce or so of extra boiled and cooled water between feeds.
I'd do these things before weaning early.

TrinitySquirrel · 01/12/2017 21:37

There is also info to suggest that waiting until 6m to introduce other foods can actually increase allergies and intolerances. So it's all swings and roundabouts.

The guidelines will change again to something new in the next decade if not sooner (family member works in dietetics and is aware of relevant ongoing research at the moment)

gizmosslave · 01/12/2017 21:38

LO is on formula, unfortunately breastfeeding didn’t work for us. He’s on the comfort formula but nothing even water is working to help him, his poos are like play dough or green and sticky. I think he has a cows milk allergy however our paeds app isn’t til March!!

I was looking at research and some seems to suggest that weaning early stops allergies and that it looks like guidelines may change again soon.

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gizmosslave · 01/12/2017 21:39

@TrinitySquirrel that’s what I’d read!

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tealandteal · 01/12/2017 21:39

Have you spoken to HV/GP? They might suggest weaning early but there are also many other things they might suggest

gizmosslave · 01/12/2017 21:39

@kaytee87 we have the perfect prep so bottles are made correctly. Water hasn’t helped either!

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gizmosslave · 01/12/2017 21:40

@tealandteal yes both were completely useless! He’s on laxatives til our app in March! By which time he’ll be 7 months anyway. Neither of them helped at all.

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kaytee87 · 01/12/2017 21:40

Why is he on comfort formula? Was it prescribed?
I don't think weaning early will solve this especially if you think he has an allergy.

dementedpixie · 01/12/2017 21:40

Comfort formula causes green poo and play doh consistency sounds fairly normal. Are there any other issues?

gizmosslave · 01/12/2017 21:41

He’s on comfort formula that you by, it’s supposed to stop constipation.

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Amanduh · 01/12/2017 21:42

Weaning early wouldnt help stop a cmp allergy. Can you ask your dr to put him on dairy free formula? We had this exact prob and I suspected cmpa, it was but we had to wait for an appt, before that the dr put him on dairy free milk and it worked like a charm within a week.

gizmosslave · 01/12/2017 21:42

@dementedpixie so normal that he screams as he passes it? His poos look like allergy poos.

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TrinitySquirrel · 01/12/2017 21:42

Oooooh OP the comfort formula is TERRIBLE for constipation. Can you try baby on the ready-to drink formula? It's more expensive (about £25 a week) but by god it is a life saver.

You might find even one little bottle a day of it helps.

dementedpixie · 01/12/2017 21:42

Doesnt sound constipated unless the poo was dry and hard

gizmosslave · 01/12/2017 21:42

@Amanduh should I go back to the GP and ask for that then? It’s so horrible seeing him in pain, first time mum and no idea what to do anymore!

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Hedgehoghogger · 01/12/2017 21:42

There is no evidence the guidelines will change.

Why did it change? There are no proven benefits to early introduction. There is an increased risk of gastro. Milk has more calories than most foods.

It's great you're fine, but statistically there is more risk of early introduction.

dementedpixie · 01/12/2017 21:43

Comfort tubs warn that they cause green poo

boredofmyoldname · 01/12/2017 21:43

Have you checked the back of your perfect prep machine?

There are numerous reports of mould in the unit which could be infecting the water, our local midwives advise against them because they are temperamental with temperature too and since they've been used stomach issues seem to becoming more prevalent.

gizmosslave · 01/12/2017 21:44

@dementedpixie I think needing laxatives to even go is a good chance he is constipated. That’s what the GP said when I had shown him the pictures.

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oblada · 01/12/2017 21:44

If you think he is dairy intolerant why not get him some other formula? Sorry don't know much about formula but it would seem the obvious answer.
At this point in time I'm pretty sure the guidance is here to stay. Especially in the context of BLW.

kaytee87 · 01/12/2017 21:44

I think the comfort formula is probably your problem. I've heard it causes constipation. Unless directed otherwise by a hcp then first infant milk is all they should be getting.

Personally I started weaning my son at 5.5 months as he could sit well in his high chair, showed and interest in food and could pick up things and put them in his mouth. Not against weaning before 6 months I just don't think it will solve your problem and think you should wait for your baby to show signs of readiness.

TrinitySquirrel · 01/12/2017 21:45

Hedgehoghogger that isn't true. Sorry.

They will be changing again over the next few years. Current advice is way outdated.

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