To think that some people are really up there own backsides over early weaning.

[annieee]

Of all the things to latch onto about parenting, why this? Who cares if your kid watched tv in the day, or doesnt eat 5 a day, every day, or hasnt had a bath for a week, or hasn't had enough one to one contact, or enough cuddles, or enough sleep, or enough alone time, or enough attention - you weaned at 6 months, that's whats important. Not like so -and -so's kid from down the road who weaned a few weeks early, He's obviously doomed to a life of allergies and street crime.
Seriously, I'm not the only person who thinks that in a few months/years you genuinely won't give a crap, and neither will anybody else.
I understand not weaning at 'mush' stage when baby can barely hold its own head up, but telling everybody that their baby is DEFINITELY not ready for food before the magic 6 month mark is ridiculous, IMHO.
maybe it's just me who think I'll look after my own not everyone elses...

I thought the allergy epidemic was more to do with increased hygiene, therefore less exposure to worms/other pathogens (the hygeine hypothesis), as the immune system is therefore basically bored, and looking for trouble other stuff to fight off. As it can't find a nice roundworm or mycobacterium to attack, it goes for the next best thing, dust mites, or cow's milk protein. :) this is, of course, a simplified explanation!!

I would be quite gobsmacked to read a study which managed to correlate a rise in ebf with a rise in allergies tbh!! at least, a study in a peer reviewed journal...

The guidelines hqve said 6 months ideally, but certainly no earlier than 4 months for approaching 10 years. People who say differently are either misremembering or were misinformed at the time.

"The hypothesis is that late weaning (6 months) is actually CAUSING more allergies and sensitivities."

Whose hypothesis is that- the baby food manufacturers?

What ninkynonker said. I am the only person I know in rl who has ebf to six months. And I know a lot of mothers.