BLW - hard to know when they're really ready

[lovelymama]

I was planning to hang on til 26 weeks to wean DD but she's 23 weeks today and we were having pizza at lunch time and she was trying to get the pizza out of my hand (she does this with every object, not just food) so I decided just to give her the crust and see what happened. To be honest, I just assumed she'd reject it straight away.

How wrong I was. She sucked and chewed it til it broke up too much to hold anymore then screamed at the top of her lungs until I gave her another bit. Same happened at tea time when her big brother was eating plain cooked pasta. She was after it straight away and had 4 pieces, although most fell on the floor as she chewed it.

My main worries are that these 2 food items aren't ideal nutritious foods, but now I know she fancies a bit of a chew I'll try and keep some better options like fruit and veg to hand. Also, she's a real 'baby' baby and she's quite 'scrunched up' and can't really sit up which I know is a sign I shouldn't be letting her eat.

Aaargh, should I just stop letting her have anything for a few weeks? I guess common sense would say just let her have stuff when she really grabs for it but I did read today on a BLW site that they shouldn't have pasta or bread til they are 6 months

Officially the advice is no gluten til 6 months, but there seems to be evidence that introducing gluten before 4 months or after 7 months is a problem - I think my ds had it from 5 months. Introducing gluten between 4-7 months alongside breastfeeding is the best way to avoid intolerance as far as I know.

I started weaning at 22 weeks - ds couldn't sit up unsupported (but then he still can't at 26 weeks) but he was fine in a bumbo. If they can reach out, grab food, chew, bite and swallow then I'd say they are ready!

Thanks MoonUnit, I think I just need to chill out and see what happens - she just sits on my lap at the dinner table and today I just tried to put the more healthy options near her. She polished off 2 heads of broccoli and loved them so I was pretty happy with that!

sitting up unaided is not the only sign. dd1 did not sit up unaided until she was over 1, but she did have a very strong neck and back and when she was interested in food is when I started to wean her. she just wasn't a sitter, she was a mover (could roll forwards and backwards across the room before she was 4mo!).
so really all i'm saying is, its common sense and looking at the big picture and not just one indicator.

We were told when they show an interest in your food, and she is, so there you are. (BLW is nothing new, just a new phrase). As dotty said, common sense and the big picture.

I started BLW my DS under similar circumstances. I was getting very frustrated as every meal I had he would get all upset and I would try anything (except giving him food ) to try to calm him so I could eat my food hot. Then one day I gave him some food and he was happy. He was over 5 months, I gave him all sorts. My list of banned foods was very short, honey, whole nuts, brie & blue cheese, and the sort of food you would be careful of anyway, prawns, high salt/spices.
I'd say she is telling you she's ready

I knew DS2 was ready when he launched himself head first off my lap at my big slice of carrot cake when he was 5 months old. Didnt let him have it of course. He started off on soft fruit and courgette, carrot battons etc.

I can't see that 3 weeks is going to make a huge difference in terms of gluten (tis guidance, not a rule, but it stops people giving toast to 3 month olds )

If you're not happy that the food is nutritious, you can always make your own pizza topping etc with veg in (I do this with DD, sadly I end up eating the rest of the pizza )

I think she's ready!

Thanks everyone, I'm a bit indecisive about things atm as I'm not getting much sleep so don't seem to be able to work things out for myself hence the post....

I'm feeling happy with how things are going but realised that I need to eat more of the things that babies can eat - seem to eat lots of spicy, prawn, nut and honey laden things!