How much solids should I be giving my 6mo DD?

[1catherine1]

I've recently moved so changed HV team. As a result I can't get hold of a HV to ask these questions. Apparently I need to be assigned to one first which seems to be taking forever so I need to rely on the information you wise people can share with me.

My DD started solids at 20 weeks (agreed with HV at the time). She took to it really well and by 21 weeks was on 3 meals a day. Breakfast at 9:30am, Dinner at 2pm and supper at 6pm. She has been having 2oz for breakfast and supper and 4oz for dinner. She has only had fruit, veg, porridge and the occasional rusk. Mostly she finishes these meals and loves the whole eating process.

She is 26 weeks now and I'm wondering what to do next? Should I keep going as I am? When or how should I introduce meat? Should she be having water with her meal? Currently she has breastmilk before and after eating. Should I increase the amount of food offered at each meal?

I realize that this forum is inhabited by many who strongly advocate BLW. I love the idea but it is not practically possible for us as my DD is fussy with the bottle and needs the calories food provides to get her through the day until I get home to feed her. She is very good with finger food and does plenty of feeding herself from my plate (good job I don't eat salt myself). She is just as good at feeding herself with a spoon although since returning to work she seems to be losing interest. I am also concerned that she is getting bored with her current limited diet.

Any help and advice would be appreciated. Hoping that the HV lot will get sorted soon so I can harass those that are paid to be harassed. TIA

[Pfriend]

I'd recommend getting the Annabel Karmel book, ar a similar weaning book. Worked well for us

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

There is no reason why she can't have meat or fish now she's 6 months 1catherine1 have you seen the weaning recipes on MN?

It is a pain that you can't get hold of your HV but I think the current advice is to offer milk an hour before solids at 6 months and 3 meals a day is fine. Does she have milk or a snack midmorning and midafernoon too?

Understand why you don't wish to try BLW but it's not an all or nothing process. There is no reason why you can't continue as you are and just offer finger foods as snacks.

One thing I don't agree with though is the Annabel Karmel recipe book, every fussy eater I know was weaned on her recipes and they all seem such a faff.

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Thought you might like the offical NHS guidelines too complete with a link on foods to avoid and suggestions to try.