Cows milk and weaning

[evansmummy]

I've already posted this in food too, but noone seeme to be able to help.

I started weaning my ds a couple of weeks ago, and after a few false starts, things are going pretty well.

I know that it is possible to mix cereals with cow's milk, so I have been. But for the last few days, ds has had a really chesty wheeze. I'm quite concerned because several members of my family, including myself, suffer/have suffered from asthma. Could the milk be giving him the wheeze? Or could it be strawberries (tried them a few days ago for the first time), or is it just coincidence?

if I suspected the milk, Id use formula or goats milk for a few weeks, then try reintroducing the cows milk. If you have a family history of asthma, it would be worth checking.

Im a bit paranoid about cows milk as I react to it myself.

How old is he?

Strawberries can be very allergenic (as can citrus and kiwi fruit) - best to leave them till after a year IMO.

As for milk, use EBM or formula (sorry, don't know if you're bfeeding or not) to mix for a bit then try again. Or if he's older (6mo plus, try him with finger food - steamed veggies go down well.

Thanks for your replies.

Ds is 6 months I only tried strawberries follwing annabel karmel's advice, but if you think it's too early maybe that's what's causing the problem. I've taken the cow's milk out and replaced with ebm, but will also remove strawberries and see if it makes a difference.

Thank you again.

As can tomatoes and peppers (being quite allergenic)

So can potato IIRC.

As can wheat and dairy.

It's a minefield, this weaning business!

I'm sure that by using EBM and removing known allergens you'll be fine though. Lots they can have at 6mo - more than at 4mo (but that's a whole new thread!)

If you are concerned about allergens, there is a good book called "What should I feed my baby" by Susannah Olivier. It talks all about the reasons for giving your baby certain foods, and reasons for delaying others. She suggests you avoid wheat and dairy until chilren are a year old. However, she gives lots of ideas for alternatives. There are some great recipes as well. I've just given my dd (7 and a half months)salmon, brocolli and rice cooked in coconut milk - went down a storm!

She also suggests avoiding potatoes and tomatoes until 1 year.