To think my baby might need food sooner than 6 months?

[Flamingoflamangos]

First baby so I’m a bit clueless.

DD is 16 weeks on Monday. She’s a very happy little soul and I’ve been so lucky this far in that she sleeps all night, every night and naps well during the day.

Over the past 4 days she’s been really difficult to feed. I couldn’t breastfeed very well due to medication I take but she’s thrived on formula and has been exclusively formula fed since 6weeks of age.

She usually has 6 oz every 3-4 hours or so but over the past few days she’s been impossible to feed and will have an ounce or so and get bored, then take some more a bit later until she’s had about 3oz.

She’s definitely not unwell and I can’t see any signs of teeth coming through. She drank 10oz before bed last night so it’s very inconsistent.

She seems to be very interested in my food so I’m wondering if she might not be far off needing some solid food. We’re on holiday next week so I’m wondering if it’s worth taking stuff just incase? I’m aware that baby porridge etc is fewer calories than formula though but obviously not if made with formula.

She weighs 13lb 4oz sonshes not underweight and has been hitting so called 3 month milestones for quite a few weeks now.

My eldest was 16 weeks (was NHS guidelines at time) had been solely breastfed till this point.
My twins 20 weeks as I was solely breastfeeding and struggling with the amount of milk they needed so HV advised this as it is only a guideline - none of my kids have issues. They all eat a good range of foods and have no problems with their guts / allergies.
Discuss it with HV first as the biggest issue I think is if you have a history of allergies/ asthma/ eczema or gut/ bowel issues in the family.

First was 16 weeks. 2nd dd was just over 11weeks as per health nurse advice. Each child is different. 2nd dd was feeding every hour still (full mam bottles!) and not being satisfied, but recommended to get some solids which worked.

1st dd at 16 weeks I was chastised, but again she needed them. Both very hungry babies. You know your child. If they’re ready, you know.

www.racgp.org.au/afp/2012/april/feeding-in-the-first-year-of-life/

Australian guidelines are evolving to recommend introduction between 4-6 months, ideally alongside breastfeeding. This is in line with research showing that earlier introduction is protective against food allergies.

www.racgp.org.au/afp/2012/april/feeding-in-the-first-year-of-life/

And again with the link

I weaned my first at four months my second at 5 months with the hv support as mine was just so hungry all the time it was a joke, my mum weaned my brother at 6 weeks which I don't advise at all it's weird though being so young but didn't do him any harm at all. I think anytime between 4-6 months is okay.