Weaning 15 weeks???

[Joannamx]

Hey guys..

I have a little man that is just 16 weeks old . He is suddenly not interested in his formula anymore having been an EXCELLENT feeder .. it’s very unusual for him. He does appear to be teething a bit at the moment ? Can this drastically affect their appetite or is it time to introduce some solids in the next few weeks? TIA

Baby also has reflux

I don't think going off milk is an indication of needing to wean but stand to be corrected. I just put it down to not needing quite as much as he did before.

He is taking substantially less so perhaps it is teeth causing it rather than needing to wean! 🥺

Has your HV or a doctor told you to start weaning this early?
If not, then no.

Unless medically advised don't wean before 6 months.

Keep offering formula as normal but yes, teething pain can put them off their milk.

It's also common at this age for them to get distracted when feeding so try to do a few feeds in less interesting places.

Weaning early can be advised for reflux but usually only if they are being very very sick with it.

I was told 16 weeks by public health nurse however I wanted to start closer to the 6 months due to research online to be on the safe side . Just felt I may have no choice if he continues to refuse formula 😢

Mine was like this around 4 months. Was far more interested in everything else going on than milk! I ended up doing feeds in a dark room for a while and weaned at 6 months. Dont think doing it early is recommended unless medical issues eg reflux.

A paediatrician or paediatric dietitian are the only people medically qualified to advise early weaning. Have you tried giving meds for teething pain (nurofen is best), feeding while sitting up right in a quiet room?

This Instagram post might be useful for you…

It gives the requirements before you should wean a baby (and says never before 17 weeks)

www.instagram.com/reel/CbiIQDTIUCQ/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

I would be surprised if many 16 week olds have the hand coordination to meet the criteria tbh
And unless the reflux or CMPA is so severe than a paediatrician has recommended weaning, I would wait til 6 months

Even if and when you start weaning around 6 months, milk/formula intake shouldn't drop drastically so I would have thought going off the formula is for a different reason.