To dread weaning again

[YukoandHiro]

My second child is coming up to six months and that means solid food soon. First time round I was so excited about this -- and what followed was hell. Multiple allergies, horrific eczema that took a year to heal and meant zero sleep for that long too, impossible to ever eat out as a family due to contact reactions from tables etc. And on top (possibly as a result) of all that she hated food til 2.5 and barely ate. It was a huge source of stress.
Second is thriving on breastmilk and so happy, no allergy signs. I'm absolutely dreading introducing solids this time. What might make it easier and less stressful? Anything?
She actually can't sit unassisted yet anyway so we might delay a couple of weeks til she's secure

That sounds rough.

I'd start off simple with 1 food at a time for a few days to check for allergies then gradually introduce more foods until they're having what you have.

Fingers crossed you won't have the same problem second time!

You did it once you can do this. You have all this knowledge and what to look for with allergies. Just go simple to start - one type of fruit or veg.

Allergyuk.org has a weaning guide with advice and a chart of which foods to introduce first

Best of luck, I had one who was and still is allergic to everything, my second had no allergies apart from an intolerance to coconut which we found out when she was older. Introduce new foods gradually and you can always keep a food diary to track any possible reactions to new foods.

Thank you, I didn't know about the Allergy UK weaning resources. I will have a look

This has information on weaning if you are concerned about intolerance and allergy.
www.fedup.com.au/factsheets/support-factsheets/breastfeeding-and-failsafe-1#weaning

I didn't have all the issues you faced, but I still found weaning stressful the first time round. I also felt pressure to create differing menus worthy of Gordon Ramsay!
My second little one is now eight months and it has been much easier. I am also breastfeeding.
What's worked for me is to refuse to be stressed and to disregard the baby led weaning militants.
Breakfast is usually Weetabix or porridge, with a mashed pear, banana or plum...simple and nutritious.
Lunch...banana and avocado mashed/ avocado on toast/ Philadelphia on toast/ boiled egg mashed up
Dinner...usually whatever we are having but mashed if necessary.
She is able to eat toast/breadstick by herself but I spoon feed her the other stuff. Less waste, less mess and I know she is eating. Food before one is just for fun is a load of crap. They need iron and zinc from food for a start.
I found the Anabel Karmel recipe book really good for things like frozen fruit combos and freezer food for those rare times she can't eat what we eat. A cheese and ham omelette is also a good go to in this situation.
Good luck!

Thanks @Liverbird77 - yes definitely going for "traditional" weaning with mix of purées and finger food from the start this time. I gave up on baby led quickly last time once we realised I had to know exactly what they'd eaten in what quantities on what days to isolate potential reactions