What gap should I leave before introducing new foods?

[hollyhobbie]

Just started BLW with DS (6months). So far he's had apple and banana.

My question is, do I have to leave a gap before introducing new foods? I thought I had to do apple for 3 (or 5 or 7?) days, and when that's ok, then introduce banana, then the gap, then the next food?

Am I right? If so, what should the gap be? Or can I just get on with it? (avoiding the usual wheat, dairy etc for now...)

[ruddynorah]

no not really, unless your family are alergy prone. those weaning timetable things go back to weaning at 4 months, when a baby isn't really ready for proper food, so it has to be done very gradually. with blw just pass over what you're having. don't add salt or use processed foods, and no honey until baby is one.

[hollyhobbie]

thanks!

[ChristmasPud]

I just gave him food as it occured to me or we had bits left over. Avoided egg yolk till 8 months and am leaving egg white till 9 months. My DS enjoyed mixed foods much more and did this from quite early on. As long as you avoid things which could be tricky such as peanuts, certain types of fish, unpasturised cheese, honey etc should be fine I woudl think.

[Katsma]

I left 3 days gap between introducing each food, as recommended.

I was very glad I did, as my baby has a severe egg allergy, and I was able to know with absolute certainty that the egg was the cause. (There is no history of allergy in our family)

In my opinion, why rush it? I started weaning at 6mo, and now at 12 months, DD has tried every food I can think of, so there's plenty of time to leave that gap.

Also, I found that she sometimes took a few goes to really 'get into' a new food. She never actually refused anything (apart from the egg!), but on the second or third go, she would eat it with much more enthusiasm!