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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

is it safe to wean earlier than 17 weeks

10 replies

beebee1978 · 26/04/2011 21:35

hi id like to find out if its safe to wean my baby before the recommended 17 week. he is 14 weeks now and i have given him a little rusk but just want to find out if its ok to. i should of posted before. any advice would be appreciated.

OP posts:

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Sidge · 26/04/2011 21:36

It's not recommended to wean before 17 weeks at the very earliest.

The gut is still immature and not ready for solid food.

whomovedmychocolate · 26/04/2011 21:37

No it's not. His gut is not sealed yet. Bad idea. :)

thisisyesterday · 26/04/2011 21:38

no, it isn't really ok to at all. that's why you're strongly advised not to wean until 6 months or 17 weeks at the very, very, very earliest

why do you feel you need to wean him early?

Seona1973 · 26/04/2011 21:39

I wouldnt give rusk as a first food as it is full of sugar and most contain gluten that shouldnt be given before 6 months regardless of when weaning begins. I wouldnt wean before 17 weeks either and would try to get as close to 6 months as possible (the recommended weaning age is 6 months)

RitaMorgan · 26/04/2011 21:39

26 weeks is the recommended age actually - 17 weeks is the absolute earliest.

Weaning earlier than that risks infections, and giving something like rusks which contain gluten puts your baby at risk of developing gluten intolerance/coeliacs disease.

Maybe you should discuss this with your GP?

SecretNutellaFix · 26/04/2011 21:43

No it is very unsafe, as you could set him up for a lot of digestive problems plus he could start taking less milk which is the only thing he actually needs.

plus, rusks contain gluten and are really not recommended until after 6 months especially if anyone in the family has allergies/ asthma/ eczema.

They also contain loads of sugar as well. Why do you feel the need to give him stuff he doesn't need?

Original poster

beebee1978 · 26/04/2011 21:46

thanks for your advice. im not going to give any more rusk and going to speak to my heath visitor asp.

OP posts:

rubyslippers · 26/04/2011 21:46

Why do you want to wean him so early?

Sometimes, early weaning is suggested but usually on medical advice

17 weeks is the earliest you should consider weaning as PPs have said

Original poster

beebee1978 · 26/04/2011 21:56

the reason why i tried him with rusk is because many friends of mine have weaned there babies earlier than 17 weeks including some of my family members but ive had this nagging feeling at the back of my mind that it wasnt recommended so decided to post and see what you all think. i feel really guilty now for listening to them and following there advice when i had a feeling i shouldnt .

OP posts:

schmee · 26/04/2011 22:00

Good for you for listening to that nagging feeling and getting advice. I'm sure you won't have done him any damage at all, so don't worry. When you do go ahead, it is recommended to wait until at least 17 weeks at the earliest, and then only babyrice mixed with formula or breast milk.

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