Ideas for blw foods at 5 months

[Gerty1002]

DS was weaned at 17 weeks due to reflux, so has had baby porridge and veg/fruit puree so far. Now at 21 weeks he is showing all of the NHS signs of readiness (big, sturdy boy) and is becoming frustrated with spoon feeding and wants to feed himself (though a good amount goes up his nose :)).

Would love some recommendations for finger food he can have before the magic 6 months other than carrot, cucumber, mango and potato wedges!

22 weeks sorry (the weeks are flying by!)

Not sure if it's relevant but he's just cut his two front teeth also

If he's ready then wouldn't you just feed him the same as any BLW baby, so in my case some of whatever we were having? That's why the signs of readiness are there, rather than just an arbitrary date. If they're ready, their ready. My interpretation is BLW is all or nothing, if they're ready they do it and eat whatever, if they're not they stick to milk. There isn't any order of flavours or textures etc with BLW. The whole order of things stuff was because babies were being given food before they were actually ready, hence the need to build up to it through the bland mush to more flavour and texture. That's my understanding anyway

I just wasn't sure if the no gluten and allergens etc rules still applied - as he is ready as you say. If it was a case of a couple of weeks I wouldn't hesitate in just giving him what we're having but thought maybe a month was pushing it.

Fruit and veg before 26 weeks. No grains, dairy etc.
Sticks of steamed broccoli, carrots etc.
Might be worth getting the Gill Rapley book or looking on the BLW website.

Thanks for your replies, but I'm not much further forward! Don't want to risk making DS ill but am also of the belief that nothing magical happens the minute they turn 26 weeks. Decided to play it safe by buying special baby cereal today for 4 months + and it has gluten in it! There's no logic to commercial baby food, they need to change the law if it's going to be harmful to LOs.

Giving a cheeky bump for the evening crowd...

My 25 week old has been having carrot, cucumber and eating the bobbles off broccoli. Also been having a loaded spoon of a few veg/fruit purees.

I have a good batch of purees so think I'll just use them for the moment plus a few veggie or fruit fingers.

Advice can be so conflicting so think I might just play it safe until he's closer to 26 weeks. It's so easy to get carried away with ideas as so far he has devoured everything I've given him .

Was it recommended to wean him early? My DD has digestive issues, for which we're seeing a paediatrician in 3 weeks, but I'm on the fence about trying to wean her. She's 19 weeks.

We weren't specifically advised but I think it was almost expected! HV always said she doubted it would be as late 6 months that he'd be ready. A consultant paediatrician (who we were seeing for a different reason) said that I should just go with my instincts and take baby's lead. She also said her baby was weaned at 5 months and was on three meals in just a few weeks, shock horror.

I must say though I think these opinions came from the fact my DS was so clearly overcooked, born at 10lb 4oz and going steady along the 99th centile, with neither me or DP being particularly large. He has always been incredibly strong with excellent head control for his age, was drinking 9oz of milk at 6 weeks old and as I said in my OP is showing all the signs of readiness at 22 weeks. At 17 weeks he could almost sit unsupported and sat very well in his high chair. Had I needed to sit him in a bumbo I think I would have waited.

His reflux symptoms have improved with weaning, mainly his flatulence through the night. He has never projectile vomited, his reflux started out as silent then was almost like excessive posseting alongside his other symptoms.

Sorry for mammoth post, just thought you should have the full story! What digestive issues does.your LO have? Can they sit well?

Hi Gerry, the aptamil creamy porridge and organix strawberry and banana porridge are gluten free. I've weaned at 5 month, giving him these till Monday then going market for lots of veg. I kinda BLW my DD and certainly not all or nothing. She has always had porridge for brekky then fed herself dinner n tea. Is difficult with no gluten allowed yet

Thanks. I've been doing similar recently, though sometimes puree for lunch then let him play with a few bits at dinner. Had an awful gagging/vomiting experience with cauliflower Last night that freaked us all out a bit so might lay off on finger food for a while.