Weaning

[maxwellsmum]

My son is 18wks old and i have just begun giving him a very small amount of baby rice at about noon each day.
I've been to weaning classes and read all the usual information but i have one (probably very stupid) question.
As i said he is having some rice once a day, but how long do you keep it at once a day? In the forthcoming weeks should it increase to most 'meal' times?
BTW before anyone thinks about him being too young, my HV has said it is ok as he is a big boy and is still having a feed every 3 hours!
Any advice would be great.

NHS advice is that if you must wean before 26 weeks, then definately no earlier than 20 weeks, and every 3 hours is not that often for a 4 month old baby. Your HV has got her head up her arse, size of baby is no indication of gut maturity.

I started weaning Ds at 20 weeks. We didn't bother with baby rice - just went onto v pureed mashed potatoes, carrots, sweet potato etc. He was on one 'meal' a day for about 3 or 4 weeks, then increased to 2 a day for about the same, then 3 times a day. After that we increased the amounts he was having.
He's 9 months now - on 3 meals a day, plus a couple of snacks as well and loving it
Your DS will let you know he's ready for more food anyway - cos he'll still be hungry.

Sorry didn't mean to sound so abrupt.

My HV tried to send someone to talk to me about weaning when ds2 was 14 weeks old!

i totally understand, i swear each time i go to the see the HV she tells me something else!

Thanks for the info though, i'll lay off it for now then and give him a bit more time.

Doesn't it depends on the size of his 3 hour feed though? (I don't know - I'm honestly asking) I mean, if he's taking 9 or 10 ounces every 3 hours, or emptying a boob? I def remember our Weaning group nurses saying try and wait till 20 weeks

i have no idea but my son has 8oz every 3 hours.

hi.my baby is 7 months going on 5 and is refusing certain foods i know she like but because she is stroppy. any suggestions for when she clamps her mouth shut?

HV drive me mad! If he is happy with just milk, why give him anything else, maybe he needs to feed every 3 hour, i know i could not go more than 3 hours with nothing to drink.
They got me in a right panic as ds had put very little weight on for a few weeks.

can i ask a totally stupid question.... i'm not t weaning stage yet as my ds is only 9 wks but what are the reasons why u cant wean until at least 20 wks. i remembermy mum saying she started me on 1/4 of a rusk at bd timwe when i was just 6 wks old and it never did me any harm.
i'm not being funny i just wanted to know.

I have read that their stomach and other internal organs havent matured enough to cope with anything more than milk. However several people i know have been 'feeding' on other than milk since very early on. (I have been reluctant to take advice of these people however there children have slept thru from 7pm-7am, but its not a risk i want to take)
I have also been told that until recently 4 months was the weaning age but was changed to 6 months because people were weaning at 3 months instead of 4. So they have put it to 6 months so that if people start at 5 months its ok.
I think the whole thing is so confusing and most of it comes from the supposed professionals (HV's etc).
I guess its a case of each to their own.

DoH recommends to not wean below 6 months due to associated risks of choking and allergic reaction. Babies are more prone to responding allergically to foods below 6 months as they have a "leaky gut". Whilst this allows them to absorb the good antibodies from breastmilk, indiscriminately they can also absorb foreign proteins from food if they are introduced too early on. If dealt with inappropriately by the immune system these proteins may trigger an allergic reaction. In extreme cases this can lead to anaphylaxis, which is potentially life-threatening. Breastmilk or first infant formula milks will provide complete nutrition for infants up to 6 months of age. Additionally, as the mechanisms for sucking and eating solids are very different by introducing solids too early not only is your child at increased risk of choking but you may also affect their capacity to breastfeed, which could lead to them missing out on essential nutrients important for their development. If you do choose to wean before 6 months, I would strongly recommend you to seek the advice of your health advisor, and never wean below 17 weeks of age and strictly avoid wheat, nuts, seeds, liver, eggs, fish and shellfish, and soft unpasteurised cheese due to potential risk of allergy or infection. Although every child develops differently and at different stages, the DoH recommendations have been based upon good evidence across generations of children and personally I wouldn't take the risk. The Birth to Five book (from DoH) has some really good information in the "Introducing your baby to solid foods? section (available online) and also the Start4Life website particularly has some great info around recognising when your baby is ready to start solids. Hope that helps.

this baby will be starting school this year, why are you digging up 4 year old threads

Oh I completely didn't realise - I was just researching weaning on google. Plus the information is still relevant.

Why are you?

Just to warn everyone else not to reply,, your talking nonsense anyway!

I am confused as to why she is talking nonsense? Which bit?

bruffin it's a shame you feel like this. I work professionally in this field and my comments are based upon published information including from the publications mentioned. If there is anything you feel is not clear/factual please contact me to discuss.

I see nothing wrong with the information Sarah has given

i think the information is fine too, although it does not factor in that by 6 months the majority of babies are being given formula