which is healthier - adding formula or weaning?

[amijee]

Hi there

I want to either add formula or wean when my ds is approx 4 mths old ( mainly for work related reasons but I don't want the thread to get deviated to this)

The question is - which is a healthier option for mixed feeding. I know the guidelines say not to wean before 6 mths but many babies are and love it. I suspect my LO will be one of those who will want to wean early, judging by his character now.

My instincts tell me that carefully considered solids ( in combination with breast feeding) may be healthier ( ie less infections/allergies etc) than combining with formula.

What do others think? Thought I would ask as mentioned it to a friend today and she seemed horrified at the prospect.

don't have any experience of this yet, with ds being only 15 weeks - but - my gut reaction is that I would add formula rather than solids, unless your ds is showing definite signs of needing more than milk? I wouldn't give solids to a baby who didn't seem ready, but I would be interested to hear what others think.

i'd go for formula.

Interesting!

The research indicates that weaning (adding solids) before six months means food tends to replace milk (of whatever type) which is (probably) not a good thing. But the type of solids has not been looked at.

If you are concerned about allergies, then adding carefully-considered (your words!) solids might well be better than formula - so you stick to mainly fruit and veg, avoiding 'foreign' protein.

I don't think there is any justification for being horrified

Keeping up breastfeeding will maintain your ds's intake of antibodies and will be valuable for that as well as the convenience factor and the fact that it's tip top stuff at any age.

Expert paediatrician Dr Jack Newman reckons that when it comes to a choice, when a baby has to have something other than breastmilk before six months, he would opt for solids rather than formula here's one of his handouts

even if it replaces milk feeds though? I always thought that milk has more calories than solids and so milk intake has to stay high at this age?

sorry tiktok just realised you answered that in the first bit of your post! been a long day..

This is a great thread! I ended up starting solids at 4 months because ds went from being a contented baby sleeping through the night to being grumpy most of the day and feeding every three hours day and night, I was exhausted and thought he was teething. After 3 weeks passed and he didn't settle I spoke to hv who suggested either introducing formula or solids, my thoughts were I would rather he had something I would eat and consider natural than formula (I am not anti bottle feeding, please don't think that), but I still worry that I made the wrong decision, although ds is thriving and started sleeping through the night again about 1 week after starting solids and still no teeth at 6 months so I do think I did the right thing.
Great article tiktok!!
Good luck with your decisions amijee! I reckon if you follow your instincts you can't go too far wrong.
XX

thanks for all the input - that's been incredibly helpful. The article is good and i think I will go with my instincts to try solids first ( if he looks like he is wanting it)

I have a little way t go yet but will keep you posted of the progress - thanks again x

My inclination - if it was me - would be to go for solids at four months rather than formula, I have to say....formula is a product that has been through a (necessary) manufacturing process, and fruit and veg are closer to being natural....and this would be my preference, like yours, katyjo. It's a personal thing, but interesting that Dr Jack Newman gives reasons why it makes sense, too.

Is there any reason you can't express some and stockpile now?

no worries - i am doing so now but we are abroad for over a mth so will be down a mth's stock.

Just come back from his 8 week review and he is growing great on breastmilk and has jumped another centile - am thrilled to bits.

There is a minimum quantity of milk that they are meant to have per day once they start on solids - think it's 24 fl oz. If they don't have it, they can miss out nutritionally since the first solids you give them tend to be veggies. For that reason, I think it is easier to wean with formula as you can then be sure they are not cutting back too quickly on the milk. But, as you say, you miss out on the immunity boosting qualities of breastmilk...

I personally (if i had to make the choice) would combine breast and solids from 4 months instead of starting formula.

The only thing I would say is that I don't believe babies really can show signs of needing solid food at 4 months. At that age they stuff everything in their mouths and will often eat whatever is put in it! That does not mean they have made a conscious choice to want solid food. It is also normal to stare at every bit of food that goes into your own mouth, again that is not a sign that they are ready.

As I said though, if I couldn't keep up with breast/EBM supply then I would give solids before formula.

mears - my ds has been staring at us eating for a while - dp wondered if we should give him some solids. I did point out that he always stares at me cleaning the house (when I do any cleaning that is - not about to give him the vacuum cleaner though!