Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Weaning

Find weaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Weaning forum. Use our child development calendar for more information.

Original poster

10 weeks old

22 replies

nicolemcconnell · 23/06/2016 00:30

Hi

Has anyone else weaned their baby earlier than the 6 months recommended? My little boy is just 10 weeks old and is showing signs of wanting more. He is currently on 6oz and has been for about a month. He has now started to drop a feed during the night. I did try to up him to 7oz as he was looking for more after each feed but he just gets sick or belly ache as its too much for his little stomach.

I have a feeling the hv will talk me out of weaning early.

Thanks

Nicole

OP posts:
GruffaloPants · 23/06/2016 00:33

He's far too young to be weaned. Introducing food so early will damage his digestive system. Ask HV advice on how to address your worries about his appetite.

apatheticfallacy · 23/06/2016 00:35

Can he sit up unaided?
Can he look at food, pick it up and put it in his mouth without help?
Can he swallow food without the tongue thrust reflex?

These are the true weaning signs and I'd be very surprised if they're all present before about six months. There is evidence that early weaning might be harmful, it's also a pain in the arse. Ten weeks is very early considering early weaning if from 17 weeks. What do you possibly have to gain from it? If your baby is hungry then nothing is more perfect for him nutritionally than more milk

MouldyPeach · 23/06/2016 00:36

His gut isn't ready for anything other than milk and you could do long lasting damage. The hv will not recommend it, think about the reasons why.

Original poster
nicolemcconnell · 23/06/2016 05:35

Ok thanks all for the advice. I will stick it out longer and speak to the hv

OP posts:
orangebird69 · 23/06/2016 05:43

10 weeks is far too early. Is he putting weight on/following his centile?

underrugsswept · 23/06/2016 06:06

Please do not even think about weaning this early - you can do lifelong damage to his digestive system. If he's hungry, just offer him more milk.

underrugsswept · 23/06/2016 06:08

My DS used to drink as much as 10-12oz before bed at that age - he'd graze for an hour or two and I couldn't believe it all fit in his little tummy. Be led by your baby.

Original poster
nicolemcconnell · 23/06/2016 08:58

Yes he is putting weight on regularly. Currently at 14lbs at his last weigh in. I will speak to the hv as the milk is making him really bloated and I've tried giving him more as he has been asking for it but it gives him belly ache

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 23/06/2016 09:01

The very earliest you should even think about it is 17 weeks and preferably closer to 6 months. 10 weeks is far far too young to guve solid foods

Scarydinosaurs · 23/06/2016 09:05

Try switching milk formulas.

BikeRunSki · 23/06/2016 09:06

Feed him more often?

Original poster
nicolemcconnell · 23/06/2016 09:28

Hv had advised not to change milk as this is working for him and not to buy hungrier etc. I have been feeding more often. I will stick with the milk and carry on with feeding more often.

OP posts:
underrugsswept · 23/06/2016 10:29

The milk proteins in 'hungry milk' are different if I remember correctly so it fools the baby's body into thinking its full without providing any extra nutrition or calories. I'd just feed more and see how it goes. It's probably a growth spurt I know everyone says that but it's usually true.

Scarydinosaurs · 23/06/2016 10:31

It isn't working if he gets stomach ache. Try SMA/Aptimil

WordGetsAround · 23/06/2016 10:32

I was an early weaver (4 months), but even I would say 10 weeks is far too early. Up the quantity / frequency of feeding, but definitely no feeding for a while.

Shirkingfromhome · 23/06/2016 10:33

Really stupid question but are using the correct teat size? My ds tends to swallow a lot of air he's due a change as he sucks too hard because the milk doesn't come out fast enough. You can usually tell if the teat collapses. Just a thought as it's not clear from your post if you have tried this.

Whatthefreakinwhatnow · 23/06/2016 10:36

DD2 was formula fed, had a bottle every 2 hours day and night for the first 5 months.

If he's hungry, feed more often!

PlatoTheGreat · 23/06/2016 10:38

What you are describing is an issue with digesting the milk, not an issue with needing solids.
Try switching formula, keep an eye on him and how upset he is becoming or not.

PlatoTheGreat · 23/06/2016 10:41

Btw, when dc1 was a baby the 'rule' was still to wean from 16weeks.
He was ready for it but mainly because he was allergic to milk (which I didn't know) so solid food was 100x more confortable fur him than bottles!

GruffaloPants · 23/06/2016 13:59

Yes Plato but loads of adults have digestive problems - some of them in part due to early weaning fashions.

Original poster
nicolemcconnell · 23/06/2016 21:43

I was told not to use the hungrier milk by the hv. I have changed teats and that has helped. I have found he digests the 6oz but not 7oz so I have increased the feeds today and that has helped. Thanks all

OP posts:
Scarydinosaurs · 23/06/2016 21:49

Glad it's better. You could always try switching brands?

I used colief and gentle SMA formula.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page