Weaning a baby who was early

[Piggiesmum]

I'm being really strict about not weaning until 6 months due to allergies on dh's side. However I've read somewhere that it should be 6 months from the due date rather than the actual birthdate. Ds was 3 weeks early. He will be 6 months in two weeks time. I'm happy to wait another 5 weeks but I'm not sure he is, and I know I'll have to fend off comments from family members.

Just wondered what the experts thought about the due date/actual date thing?

Do what you think is best. Stuff the family members as it is not their decision! I waited until 6 months and then, on the dot, offered ds some food. And offered, and offered, and offered... he didn't want any until he was nearly 7 months (and he was 16 days late, so even later if we are going by due dates).

I think you are right to hang on if there are allergies. I would wait the extra few weeks if I were you. The puree stage is such a faff, I will hold off for as long as possible!

I agree with beansprout - ignore rude family members - you are wise to wait a little before weaning, I mean, what's the rush? But in terms of first-stage weaning, a lot of what you will be offering are really bland foods like baby rice, pureed carrot, parsnip and pear. I wouldn't sress too much about due/actual dates - rather wait a bit and then offer slowly - if baby takes food then all is well and if not, no worries and no stress - try again in a few days time. Baby is still getting most of the nutritional requirements from the milk anyway so weaning at this point is just getting baby used to the idea of food rather anything else. And if you are worried about allergies then just take it slow- wait 3 or 4 days between new foods and watch for any reactions.

Thanks Beansprout and Coolmama.

I'll hold off for a bit longer. Think I just needed a bit of moral support the before the family get togethers coming up the next few weeks. I'll ignore them in that they won't change my mind, I just need to stop worrying about offending people when they say "why don't you could give in a taste/piece/bit of chocolate biscuit/ice cream/rusk etc etc" and i have to say "no".........again