both DS1 and 2 were weaned at 16/17 weeks (DS2 I knew the advice had changed but stuck with 4 months anyhow).
He's not convinced by the "allergy" side of things, given that in Zim it's normal to wean from a very young age as mothers have to go back to work - and he (genuinely) has never met anyone in Zim with an allergy - and neither of us have any allergies in our family (apart from me being mildly allergic to some cats).
I've told him about gut maturity etc, and was trying to find some research on it - but most of it says that FF'ing kind of b*ggers that up anyhow - so not much help there.
He also says that while it may well be true about 6 months gut maturity etc there's no "magic switch" that goes on when they hit 6 months therefore making their body better able to cope with solids.
I have to say part of me thinks - well what the heck lets just give it a go, the other part is being stubborn and wants to try and hold on a few more weeks....
BUT in the last 3/4 weeks his milk intake has increased (and stayed high) dramatically - he now averages 40-45oz every 24hrs, and has been increasingly less and less satisfied after having a full 9oz bottle.
He's not quite sitting up on his own yet, but is getting very good at grabbing things (though DH doesn't want to try BLW..... so not sure that's entirely relevant), and is obsessed with our food and drinks, he's also chewing on the toys he's shoving in his mouth and appears to have lost that reflex with the tongue where they push everything out instead of getting it in.
OK so the short version is
I know the risks of weaning earlier, but am not hard and fast on it.
DH knows the risks and doesn't think theyh're entirely true.
DS3 is getting increasinly hungrier (and bigger - 9-12 month top and 6-9 month trousers on today ) and I'm pretty sure it's not a growth spurt......as if it is then it's been going on constantly for about a month and is showing no signs of slowing LOL)
DS3 fits most of the "criteria" for readiness for weaning - except for age and sitting entirely indepently - although sits very well suported.
So should I continue being stubborn - just for the sake of being stubborn really.
Or should I stick DS3 in the highchair at dinner time and chuck a few bits of carrots and swede on his tray and see what happens....
(yes I know the over whelming majority are going to say "Hold on don't wean yet" but I'm still not sure).