APRIL 2008 - The One Where They Can Eat Food!!!!

[VictorianSqualor]

Our Babies

07 March: Ashton, a fourth child for gemprincess, 5lb 13oz @ 34+6
09 March: Ted, a second DS for Daftmoo, 7lb 14oz @ 36+0
21 March: George William, a first baby for KnitterintheNW, 7lb 2.5oz @ 37+3
25 March: Olivia, a second baby for TheMaskedPoster, 7lb 2oz @ 38+4
28 March: Pablo, a third baby and first DS for vacaloca, 7lb 14oz @ 39+4
28 March: Matteo Alexander, a first baby for Gangle @ 38+0 (?)
30 March: A baby girl, a second child for PortAndLemon, 8lb 15oz @ 39+5
02 April: Jak, a baby boy for rainbowdays, 9lb @ 39+1
02 April: A baby boy, a second child for bunyanvillas, 6lb 14oz @ 37+5
02April: Struan, a baby boy for Donnabels, 6lbs 15oz
02 April: A baby boy for mummyofaprincess @39 weeks
03 April: A baby girl for PippiCalzelunghe @38+2weeks
03 April: Aeryn Daisy, a baby girl for Denny185, 9lb 8oz @ 39+3
03 April: Benjamin, a baby boy for Micegg, 8lb 3oz @ 39+4
03 April: Roelof Grové, a first DS for SalLikesCoffee, 7lb 5oz @ 38+5
03 April: A baby boy for siikibam, 6lb 8.5oz @39+1wks
04 April: Matilda, a baby girl for AprilsFoolsBaby 7lb @
05 April: Ellis, a baby girl for MadameOvary
06 April: Henry Peter, a baby boy for Sheds, 7lb 130z @ 40+4
07 April: Sebastian George, a fourth DS for Peachy, 8lb 4oz @ 41+1
07 April: Jack, a first baby for ThePFJ, 7lb 5.5oz @ 41+1
07 April: Lexie Bea, a fourth baby for babywhiting, 8lb 1oz @ 39+4
08 April: Alasdair, a second DS for bunnyrabbit, 8lb 5.5oz @ 40+3
08 April: James Samuel, a third baby for honeybee10, 6lb 7oz @ 37+2
09 April: Zara Mia Martin, a first baby for V1KK1M, 7lb 10oz @ 41+0
09 April: Jasmine, a baby gilr for Niceychops
11 April: Kyran for rdk, 7lb 13oz @ 38+3weeks
11 April: Sebastian James, a second baby for Fleecy, 10lb 2oz @ 40+4
11 April: A baby girl, a first baby for CeylonSapphire, 7lb 12oz @ 41+1
11th April: Florence, a baby girl for LouMoose
12 April: Maya Alice, a first baby for egyptianprincess, 8lb 15.5oz @ 40+3
12 April: Sophia Viviana, a second DD for AussieDivaonaBreak, 6lb 12oz @ 39+3
15 April: Alexander Oliver, a third baby for VictorianSqualor, 10lb 3oz @ 41+0
16 April: Ailish, a first baby for Mollyfloss, 6lb 11oz @ 40+3
16 April: A baby girl, a second baby for elfsmummy, 7lb 13oz @ 41+1
16 April: Zoe, a baby girl, a first baby for ToastAddict, 6lb 10oz @ 39+3
16 April: Jasmin, a baby girl, a first baby for Eggandketchup, 9lb 3oz @ 41+4
17 April: A baby boy for paranoidmumy, 8lb 9oz @ 41+4
17 April: A baby boy, a second son for lorisparkle, 7lb 12.5oz @ 41+6
17 April: Benedict, first baby for LadyBee 9 lb 3oz @ 41 +2
18 April: Millie, a baby girl for scorpio1 8lb 9oz @ 41+?
18 April: Cameron, a second baby for munchkinmum @ 39+5
19 April: Oliver Michael, first baby for bashboid, 7 lb 4 oz at 41 +3
20 April: Samuel, a first baby for Velbels. 8lb15oz at 41+1weeks.
20 April: Angharad Mai, 8lb 4oz, 40+6, first for 7monthsplus
20 April: Emilia, 7lb15oz, a first baby for SuzeM, 40+6
20 April: A baby girl for SushiMama
21 April: Eve, a second baby for OMaLittle, 8lb 4oz @ 39+3
21 April: A second DD for Monmoo
22 April: Sam, a second son for Soph73 @ 40+0
22 April: Molly, a first baby for EllieG, 8lb 8oz? @ 40+5
22 April: Daisy, second baby for AttilaTheHan @ 40 +3
22 April: Zoe Olivia, second daughter for Piccallilli2 7lb 1oz @42+1
22 April: A second DD for blinks.
23 April: Jessica Elizabeth, first baby for BabyBratt @ 40+1 7lb 12oz.
24 April: A baby girl, a second daughter for christmaspixie, 9lb 2oz @ 40+6/41+5
24 April: Miya Jade, baby girl for ShelleySare at 39+4
25 April: Amelie, a first baby for Dondons, 9lb, 41+3 (i think!)
25 April: Aisha, a second baby for Jaq39 7lb 14oz @ 41+4
26 April: Hope Olivia, a second dd for northeastmummy, 7lb 11oz at 41 .
26 April: Gabriel, a third child for Bainmarie @ 41+5
26 April: Eli Michael, a baby boy for LittleMissTurquoise, 7lb 15.5oz @ 40+5
27 April: a baby girl for Ayomi, 6lb 1oz @ 41+0
28 April: Jacob Andrew, a 2nd DS for Kaybeeand2boys, 8lb 4oz @ 41+5
29 April: Thomas Henry, a 2nd DS for TLSM, 7lb 8oz 40+3
30 April: Harry Samuel, a fourth ds for Chipmonkey, 9lb 5oz @ 39+2
30 April: Ellie, a baby girl for Annamama
30 April: A second DD for luckymummy74
01 May: Sophie May, a baby grl for Annieroo, 6lb 5oz @ 41+4
01 May: Euan George, a baby boy for Jenniejennie, 8lb @ 40+4
02 May: Robyn Olivia, a baby girl for soph28, 8lb 1oz @ 42+1
05 May: Nora Martina, a first baby for Eva07, 7lb 8oz @ 41+2
05 May: A baby boy for Beeper, 8lb 10oz @ 41+0
05 May: Gabriella Summer, a first baby for MommyHasAHeadache, 8lb 4oz @ 40+6
06 May: Wilf, 8lb 60z for bigbadmom @ 41+6
07 May: James Andrew, a second ds for Moominsmummy, 8lb 13oz @ 41+5
08 May: Ellie Isabella, a first baby for Carey87, 7 lb 8oz @ 42+1
08 May: Robin David, a 2nd baby for Woollymummy, 8lb 11 oz @ 41+3
09 May: 4 kittens for scorpio's cat!
10 May: Astrid Mary, a second dd for TheShipsCat, 8lb 8oz @ 42+0

Denny, surely you remember the weaning nappies? Very easy to tell whether they've eaten anything that way...

You did get rather aerated about Knitter weaning two whole weeks early, VS.

The theory that a baby will be physically able to feed him or herself once their gut is ready is, AFAIK, just a theory. If you have references that show it's more than that, do let me know, but I looked (I was adding references to the Wikipedia article on BLW) and couldn't find any. It's an appealing theory, and one that I've gone along with in weaning DD, but just a theory (especially if suggesting that the two develompments are precisely, rather than approximately, synchronised).

In terms of actual proven research, there's no more evidence that Alex's gut was ready at 25 weeks than there is that George's was ready at 24 weeks.

I am quite happy to tut and tsk about people who start weaning seriously early without informed medical advice, but I can't get worked up about one or two weeks, especially if the first foods given are pretty solidly non-allergenic. And especially if it's going to upset a valued member of our little group.

Sal, DS had something of a foot fetish as a baby too. He seems to have grown out of it...

LOL at the toes.... DS2 was nicknamed toe pirannha LOL

It's a theory and I do think it ahs a lot to go for it; so many Mums really do seem to give their abbies nowt but jellified crap in jars. You seem them in boots all the time (last week I had to explain to one what bubble and squeak was as she thought it was sausages pmsl).

Now, seems to me that for most poeple a mix is both going to be the norm and easiest; bas gets finger foods based at lunchtimes (I have a pic to upload entitled 'Baby Led Cleaning ). But when out or stood on a highway for 3 hours waiting to do a carnival then its puree. But homemade mostly (Always at home) and if not top quality. For a start, price of those plum foods I want him on proper food!

But either way you gotta do what works for you, as long as baby is well fed.

VS meant to say- sterling work on Bounty the opther day! well done!

It wasn't knitter I was 'aerated' (good word I had to scroll back up to spell it though lol) about, even I'm not anal enough to get het up over two weeks.
iirc there were other posters that were weaning early and one was questioning doing it at 18weeks. It was the 18weeks and then advice from HPs saying to flout the guidelines that made me post.

Too lazy to search or go to correct topic, am sure one of you would know - would the occasional mature cheddar (to chew, so probably won't eat that much anyway) matter? I know usually no salty foods for babies, but i assume this is a case of all things in moderation, right? (This is coming from someone who will give my children cake and not carrot sticks for birthdays but healthy at home, so not too fussed, just want to ensure no lasting damage. )

Cheese no prob sal, just be careful if you allow them to feed themselves crumbly stuff.

can't remember who else, i think i was one of the earlier ones - think we were around 22 weeks. in all honesty, i was very upset about the way you reacted and considered leaving the forum, but then calmed down after having spoken to dh and realising that we've checked with paed and everything. and i realised you meant well, but yes, it did make me feel as if you said i don't care about the health of my baby.

ah great, thanks! knew you would know.

Sal - so glad you didn't leave. We'd have missed you.
FWIW, I am pretty sure that being a good parent relies on instinct, and knowing what is right for your child, and when. One of the things I find hardest about this forum is that I suspect I am more influenced by what other people say than I am by my own instinct, which I think is a bit dangerous...When I weaned dd1 at five months, I was absolutely sure it was the right time. With dd2, I have been so confused by all the different opinions, that I seem to have lost my own thoughts on how to do it and when to do it.
Sal - we all want to do best by our babies, and you definitely know better than anyone else what is best for R.

Afternoon all. Well you ladies have been chatty. Very emotive this blw/puree debate methinks If you asked a Spanish paed what blw was they probably wouldn´t have a clue. I´ve seen 7 year olds in restaurants being spoon fed by their mothers from a jar of baby food - seriously, I couldn´t stop staring at her.
Sam´s still on puree but he can´t sit by himself or hold his head up properly yet so will have to carry on as we are for a while. DH can´t wait till he´s a bit stronger & can sit as he struggles keeping a hold of him in the bath now as he´s getting heavy
TSC - belated Happy Birthday

Sal - like TSC says, just do what you feel´s right. Most of what I´ve done has been completely against what paediatricians over here think you should do. When Sam goes for his check-ups and they ask me are you doing this & that, I just nod and say "of course". Then go home and carry on with the way I was doing it It worked for DS1 & so far it´s working for Sam, although I do appreciate that some things will have to be done differently for Sam

I've just looked back at that thread. It was kaybee who asked if she should feed at 18 weeks.

She only asked this because others had said they had started weaning.

22 weeks is a month earlier than is said to be safe or risk-free if you like, and Paeds, like some HVs are not always giving the best advice (not saying yours wasn't I haven't seen R nor know your history so I wouldn't pretend I know either way) but if you see a thread I have in weaning atm apparently a paed totally rubbished the guidelines saying they were for the third world and said most mothers struggle to hold out til 26 weeks - which on this thread anyway seems to be bollocks.

The people who started weaning early have done so on the advice of a professional, be that me and Scorpio (and I assume PAL) on the words of BLW gurus, you and Peachy on the advice of your Paed and knitter on the advice of her BF lady, I just get angry that so many professionals don't give out the right information and tell mothers all manner of different advice.

On top of that, as this is a public forum, anyone can read what we type so I think we all (me included) need to bear in mind that what we write could be read by some who then take it upon themselves to do the same without the guidance of a health professional. So I feel that when things like early weaning are discussed someone needs to state cold hard facts about what could, worst case scenario, happen to your child because of this.

As I said on the other thread I didn't want to upset anyone or get into arguments, and tbh, if we had been sat in a cafe and no-one else was able to hear(read) what we were saying it would probably have been a totally different conversation. More along the lines of 'Oh, you've started weaning, you do know the risks right?' and that would have been it.

As for leaving you bloody wally, I'd have kidnapped you and tied you to a chair with nothing but MN for entertainment, you would have came back

I have friends in Dublin who weaned their babies at 9 weeks old! Now that is early.

I think some of the AK recipes look very tasty. We have an Ella's Organics fan here too. She also likes to nibble on her toes.

Thanks Mommyhasaheadache.

Chipmonkey, that is very impressive that Harry said mama.

Sorry, I just don't get this [stupid emoticon]. You can start early if you BLW, but not till 26 weeks if you are pureeing? Is that right?

Aww, thanks guys (including VS)! I've now all welled up. /

I hear what you're saying re public exposure VS, and agree with most of it (which is why I didn't want to post on your blog, I know my circumstances and wouldn't want to imply it's fine for everyone else). But at the same time as seeing why I can't go around typing on the internet that my baby was talking in full sentences and perfectly fine with cutlery at 3 weeks and therefore fine to wean, I think it is dangerous and potentially hurtful to a baby saying paeds might give the wrong advice and that "guidance" should override.

If someone was more insecure, with no knowledge of or access to research, they might have been tempted to ignore medical advice and go with what seems to be gospel on a big parenting site like this if all written advice was one sided.

To summerise my opinion:
Yes, medical advice can be wrong, obviously.
However, current guidance can be wrong too (as is obvious if you compare "now" current to 10 years ago current), but you have to go with what is advised and hope and pray for the best. It is however still only guidance, so it is generalised.
So I think you should combine your gut instinct with facts (e.g. checking for "signs"), combined with medical advice and guidance. Covers all bases.

DS could say "azure", "Gondor" and "reindeer" at around this age. Assuming, of course, that he was trying to say something about azure reindeers from Gondor and wasn't just babbling...

DD is trying hummus on ricecakes today. I am soooooooo glad that I stripped her off first...

Oh PAL, that's nothing, R is fluent. In some language we just don't understand. I'm going with Lithuanian.

Hmm hummus on ricecakes sound lovely. Could do with that myself now. Poor R has such bad luck ending up with me - Scorpio weans on Pizza, you're having hummus...

I think she might eat more of it if I put it on her toes rather that the ricecakes...

At least DD doesn't mind sitting in the shower and being hosed down. I think BLW will involve a lot of that

Hey, all you domestic goddesses, what do you puree your veg with? I don't really want to continue with a fork, but not sure whether it's worth dragging out the blender (or even if that'll work) for.

I think it's worth blending if you are making and freezing ahead, but not so much if you're only doing one meal's worth.

HI all - wow you have been busy the last couple of weeks. We are also enjoying a bit of BLW although I must confess that A is only 24 weeks this week. The picture I have posted suggests that she is ready to eat though. We are doing a combination of purees and finger foods and she seems to love everything so far. Am steering clear of any obvious allergens for a couple of weeks though. (I use a hand blender BTW).

Did anybody come up with a solution for the freezing hands at night?

TSC, basically the bit behind BLW is that the baby will not eat before they are physically ready, which will be some point between 17-26 weeks so if you started at say 20 weeks and baby wasn't ready, they wouldn't eat, but if you started weaning on purees at 20 weeks with a baby who wasn't ready then it would be different, because they would still eat it iyswim.

If you were to start BLw and see that your baby was able to eat (say they demolished a banana like DS earlier) then you could go with purees after if that was what you wished.

Sal, I agree it can be dangerous saying some Paeds are not experts in infant nutrition, but sadly it's true. My advice would be to anyone to stick to the guidelines and if their paed (who has actually seen their baby) advises different to the guidelines to ask what basis they are suggesting it on. Like the other thread for example the Paed went waffling on about how the guidelines weren't for here but for the world and we don't need to BF for 6months and milk is hard to digest Obviously knows nothing so I'd take it with a pinch of salt, but if they could tell you a reason that made not just sense, but they could back it up with more than just ramblings, then I'd listen to them.

God you make it sound terrible, Pizza it was literally just bread, tomato puree, cheddar and mozeralla balls

I found when i weaned boys i made big lots and freezed in individual pots, especially those ones you can go from freezer to microwave with. I liked making sweet potato and apple (pinch of cinnamon), apple (can stir into weetabix, plain yog, fromage frais, etc etc), and things like potato & carrot good too. Sal, a good food to take out with you as 'fast' food is avocado and banana - just mash and feed. Also disposable bigs in your bag so they are always there, iyswim.

Mimi loves ricecakes & hummus! Although finding BLW hard WRT veg really...she will eat banana & has tried sweet pot wedges but wasnt interested in broccoli. Had a bit of grated cheese and banana tonight, went down very well. Happier grating it than lumps here.

She is stinking dirty though!

DH an hour late home, bloody work. I am so tired too.

disposable bibs

Sal - hand blender is good, you can get them for a fiver in woolies! Or just mashing is good too, have you tried slight lumps? if he doesnt like lumps (lots dont!) hand blender easier IMO than getting your big blender out all the time.