Weaning

[gizmosslave]

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!

[isthistoonosy]

I'm not in the UK bit will try to answer best I can. Advice was changed based on research of very large numbers of babies. Yes many are fine weaned early but overall ot os better to wait.
We weaned our first at four months on pead advice, he showed all signs pf being ready and was gaining weight too fast. (google signs - head control, sitting up, tongue thrust etc).

DC2 had bowel issues lots pf constipation, we added a little water around four months but on the whole keeping her cooler had the biggest influence. Moving to solids didn't have any affect shr is still pron to constipation at 3yrs.

[Smurfy23]

Advice changed about 6 years ago. The view now is that earlier weaning can lead to digestive problems and also that babies get all they need from milk until 6 months. Thats guidance that comes from the WHO. The general consensus is that you definitely shouldnt start before 4 months/17 weeks because of the potential harm to babies digestive system. It might be fine but then again it might not be and its a big risk to take.

I imagine that advice to begin weaning earlier is because those babies perhaps arent getting all they need from their milk.

Depends on babies age and if theyre ready. I started dd at 5 months because she was definitely ready (could sit up virtually unaided, tongue reflex gone, showing keen interest in food). If your baby is ready then maybe try it but if its just a matter of constipation you might be better trying to resolve that.