Help! What are the signs of wanting solids?

[docket]

Hi All,

I'm new to the site and I know it's probably been discussed a thousand times but I'd really appreciate some advice from those who've been here before.

My 5 month old son is really unsettled at the moment and a couple of people (whose opinions I do respect) have suggested that it is because he is ready for solids. He never seems totally satisfied after feeding (breast) and has started waking in the middle of the night again when he previously slept through. He also seems very interested in our food (although this could just be symptomatic of general increasing interest in everything). He's become quite whingey and has more than doubled his birth weight now (I've been told once they double they are ready?!).

I had been resolved to hold off until 6 months but if he really does need them it seems a bit daft to hold off.

All comments/help much appreciated

Docket

bump!

Hi Docket - I'm not an expert...but it sounds like you feel that food would be right for your baby...listen to your instincts - don't listen to other people (not even me )

agree with KM - i started DS at 5 months for similar reasons (HV recommended and it just felt right). as long as he's still getting enough milk i'm sure it's ok...

My DD was a very hungry baby, didn't lose weight after being born and by the time she was 4 months was b/f every hour. I was advised to wean her early too. Now she's 2.4 years and wearing 3/4 size clothes and size 8 shoes. She continues to eat well!

I would go with your feeling on this - you know your son's eating habits better than anybody else. For peace of mind I would check with your HV too, as current guidelines are 6 months, but my HV told me that they add in some extra time to stop people starting too early (and that was when they advised weaning at 4 months!).

Thanks very much, my instinct does tell me he is ready, but it's hard with so much conflicting info around! HV did say wait until 6 months but doctor looked at me as if I was bonkers when I said he hadn't had solids yet!

I'd give it a try. The advice has only fairly recently changed from 16 weeks (I think) to 6 months. If your baby's a good size I wouldn't worry about waiting another 4 weeks just because 'officially' you're supposed to. You can carry on breastfeeding too, weaning is gradual so he'll still need milk.