4.5 months - can she have gluten?

[cuppy]

Hi all, hope you can help with this.

I have been advised by health visitor to avoid gluten products until 6 months. I was going to get dd some rusks but saw that they had gluten in them so didnt - but it says on the packet from 4 months. Farleys area big company so i cant see them saying its ok when its not.

Same with Cow + Gate - they sent me some free porridge - with gluten - but also from 4 months.

Anyone out there that can explain this to me? Thanks.

There is loads of stuff labelled as suitable from 4 months but which still contains gluten, even though it is contrary to health guidelines. I'm afraid you just have to read the labels carefully in order to avoid them. Thought you could get gluten free rusks but tbh you could probably find an alternative gluten free cereal product as you'd have to mush them up with milk or water anyway.

All baby food manufacturers offer their foods from 4 months as thats what the weaning guidelines said. They ignore all health warnings.
Rusks are full of sugar anyway, not a great first food in the whole scheme of things....

Thanks.Piffleoffagus..... I know - someone told me they have more sugar in than a jam doughnut. DH wants her to have them... I have to let him have some say in things dont I?

Bloody men, when all her teeth fall out and he has to pay then he'll blame you LOL
I know plenty of people that have given rusk from day dot, some have allergies and eczema some don't... If it is for teething you can get bikkie pegs, taste like crap but are good for chomping little gums. The only gluten free cereal is rice. You do not have to give cereal first off, I gave carrot mixed with breastmilk and sweet potato. dd hated fruit, this was after 6 mths though neither of mine have been keen on eating much before then and I cannot be bothered with all that pureeing and sterilising and worry!

Cuppy, gluten is best avoided before 6mo tho it's really only a problem if coeliac disease is likely to be a worry...but how wd you know? I say, stick with the fruit and veg and rice. As piffle says, rusks not the best first food. Might as well give 'em a biscuit tbh, ie that's all a rusk is really. Not suggesting you give her a biscuit of course . Food manufacturers are just in league to get you to buy their products - i have seen chicken casserole labelled from 4 mths which I would not be happy with either.