Is 3 months too early to wean?

[May2000]

My baby girl is 3 months old and is having 6-9 oz every 2/3 hours ( having a 6oz then wanting more so she has another 3oz) she was taking 5oz every 2/3 hours HV said it’s normal as she was a bit small at birth and she might be ready to wean early.

I tried her with a little bit of banana porridge the other day and she loved it and was demanding more when I took it away as I was too scared that she was too young. Has anyone else’s baby been ready before 4 months if so what do you start them off with? Thank you x

Can she sit up by herself? If not she’s not ready. It’s also recommended to start with vegetables first as fruit is too sweet. Banana baby porridge is also very sugary for a 3 month old.

This advice is dangerous though especially not from a medical professional

@Overthebow she is nearly 4 months which the recommended age is 4-6 months. Banana porridge states 4-6 months on the pack also

@fuzzleberry as I stated my GP said 4-6 months is the recommended age my daughter is 2 weeks off being 4 months

Because they want to sell it to you. Shops also sell cot bumpers and forward facing harnessed car seats it doesn't mean they are safe.

Your GP advised you to ask on Mumsnet for advice re weaning? 🤔

3 months is far too early, it should be 6 months. Early weaning is associated with a lot of health problems.

https://www.betterliveshealthyfuturesbw.nhs.uk/learning_resource/weaning/

No if you read what I’ve said properly I said my GP said 4-6 months but if I’m still worried or want advice then ask mumsnet

Have you read much about weaning? I would use the next 6 weeks or so to do and make a proper plan (as others have pointed out, banana porridge is very sugary and not a great weaning food) that and you'll be in a much better position to wean closer to the recommended time. As others have said, food is not going to fill your child up. Milk is more filling (not least because they'll drink more than they could ever eat) and has all the nutrients they need at this stage.

Your GP is wrong on this though. The recommended age is 6 months to start weaning.

Well if a company that profits from early weaning says it's OK then it must be OK. Was the baby porridge made by nestle by any chance because they definately have babies best interests at heart.

This is not NHS or DofH guidance.

What exactly did your GP say?

😭I only learnt about the Nestlé baby formula scandal fairly recently. Awful!

GPs are experts in nothing, so I'd be taking the paediatrician's advice of 6 months. It doesn't benefit your baby to wean early, it benefits you not having to bother giving enough milk when you can give an easy filler like porridge. No one is impressed with your 'early bloomer'

She might only be 2 weeks away from 4 months but at this age 2 weeks is a huge amount of time. Nothing you have said indicates she should start weaning now or even in 2 weeks time.

Edited - Spelling error

I am mum so I know when she is ready
This must be one of the most ridiculous things I've read on mumsnet.

I understand that but little one has reflux and struggling to keep milk down even thickened milk so I was just asking advice on what to do for my 14 week old that’s all I didn’t want to be slated for what I’m doing with my own child as all professionals have said she will show signs. Yes she can sit up in her high chair unaided yes she can hold her own head up.she’s drinking way more than what other babies I know do. I was told to ask on here if I’m worried or need more advice from mothers who have experienced what I am now not know it alls who are trying to tell me otherwise

This has got to be a wind up surely....

As if a GP told you to go to mumsnet for advice 😂 someone is bored and on a wind up

It is dangerous to start weaning so early. You risk causing longlasting health issues for your child.

You need proper health advice really.

Love it how you quote this out of everything I’ve said. I didn’t mean it how it sounds I just meant I’ve read up (on nhs website) the signs to look out for that she’s ready that’s all I was just saying

But she's not ready, because she is too young.

NHS advise 6 months.

I was told to ask on here if I’m worried or need more advice from mothers who have experienced what I am now not know it alls who are trying to tell me otherwise

OP why bother asking for advice if you're going to ignore it?

The posters who are replying are not "know it alls", they're people who are explaining why it's best to wait until 6 months. If you rush into weaning too early, this could have lifelong consequences for your child.

Yes presumably.

As I asked earlier have you discussed allergies with your HV and GP?

Reflux and CMPA can present very similarly?

If she's struggling to keep milk down you need to focus on that not on starting her with food.