how much should my baby be eating?

[laligo]

just starting weaning DS less than a week ago on HV's advice - he's only 19 weeks, but he's been desperate to eat our food, waking in the night, can't get enough breastmilk etc etc.

the first few days he couldn't get the hang of it but the last 3 he's been like a little gannet. he's just put away half a pot (tommy tippee baby food mixing/storing pot) of THICK (porridge thickness) baby rice plus almost a whole one of those heinz organic "simply fruit" tubs of apple. i suppose the equivalent of an adult-size single portion yoghurt pot of food.

can his stomach really be that big? or does that sound like a normal amount? is it possible to overfeed him? he was gagging for it throughiout, i didn't force him at any point and stopped as soon as he lost interest...

i wouldnt worry. she knows how much she wants to eat. Believe me they let you know when they are full. My ds soon learnt to keep his lips shut and protest verbally! I also find some days he wants more food than others. just go with it!

Um, at 19 weeks, your son should really just be "eating" breastmilk. No matter what your HV says.

Please stick to fruit/veg/rice until six months, if you can.

Don't make his baby rice so thick - it can be constipating and really doesn't have much of use to him in it in any case. If he must have solids (the reccommendations now are that solids shouldn't be started before 6m) then give him roots: sweet potato is best, but also carrots, parsnips, swede, turnip. Avoid potato for a couple of months as they are too starch-rich. Whatever you do, don't cut down on milk, whether breast or formula. Offer that before any solids. You could always give him some 'hungrier baby' formula after the last feed of the day to keep him going a little longer.

Not that I've answered your question! Babies are quite amazing in their differences. My ds was an enthusiastic weaner but one of those TT pots would last three meals, whereas dd would put away one and a half pots in one meal! Generally they will stop when they're full, but if you are worried that he's overdoing it, just stop and see if he objects. If he doesn't, that's fine. If he does, then give him a little more.

thanks for replies - i thought this had fallen off!

it's such a minefield - i did intend to BF only for 6 months, but he is a big hungry boy and if i didn't start now i'd be breastfeeding non-stop. i am using bought jars but i check them carefully and get them as pure as possible eg just organic apple. when i've ascertained that he likes particular things, then i'll make up batches myself.

he loves the rice thick, doesn't like it thin. but i make sure he gets plenty of breastmilk before and after.

another reason for starting now is that i instinctively want to. i see him going for my food and i find myself going to give him a bit (though i stop myself as it's usually not suitable...)

anyway it's good to know he's not the only one to shovel it away. have just had him produce an enormous sloppy poo so constipation not a prob at the moment...

thanks again!