Weaning a sicky baby with Eczema!

[cyberdolly]

First post folks so bare with me! BF DD will be 5 months next week. 8.5lb at birth and now 12lb. (DH and I both small so not too concerned about slow weight gain...usually 3oz a week). She's always been quite sicky but GP not worried as she's very alert and developing well, strong neck, rolling etc... Also has eczema, but not severe. I cut dairy products from my diet just over a week ago to see if this helped the eczema, but instead her sickness has improved tonnes.Bonus! I know it can take up to 3 weeks for dairy to get out of my milk so am interested to find out if this eventually helps her skin too. Anyway the point...I'd been hoping to get her as close as I could to six months before going onto solids but she appears to be really showing the signs. I thought it might just be a growth spurt but its now day 5 and she's feeding much more frequently and keeps smacking her lips at me when I'm eating!!! I'm just nervous that by making the wrong choice now that I could effect her skin in the long term? Would I be better to top up with formula to satisfy her, rather than solids? (Have tried to increase my supply with extra feeds and expressing after feeds but doesn't seem to help and nipples getting sore). I've just thought about it too much now to see the obvious!!! (Unfortunately, have little respect for health visitors whose advice has been all over the shop!). Thanks in advance for any tips ....XX

I would not add formula to the diet, if her sickness has improved because of removeing milk from your diet, intolerance may be a possiblity.

What age did the eczema start?

The signs of a food allergic baby are the following, esp in a breast fed baby before the age of 3 months.

poor sleep pattern or inability to sleep for long periods.

ezcema,

poor weight gain.

I would not bother to express any milk, simply offer the breast frequently.

However, that said, you KNOW your baby and if you think solids are needed, your first instinct is more than likely correct.
every baby is individual.

I would avoid all dairy, and stick to root veg. and GO very slow.
one food at a time.

Hope this helps

Thanks williamsmummy, I think the eczema started after 3 months and she was sleeping 4/5 hours at a time at night at one point.(Enjoys decent daytime naps too) I'd rather hang on a day or two (or three) before starting solids (if I do)'just to be sure', and she's not unhappy in herself....just feeding more. Just don't want to aggrivate the skin so thanks for the diet tips.