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Weaning

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

Original poster

Horrible attempt at weaning - have I gone wrong?

66 replies

lavenderandwisteria · 06/06/2021 19:01

Ds is six months on the 16th June. When the HV came a week ago she noted he’d dropped a centile and recommended weaning him. I didn’t breastfeed despite desperately wanted to and so was very anxious to get this right.

Ugh. Yesterday was broccoli and wasn’t too bad - he didn’t eat much but I expected that. Today was carrot. I thought he’d love it.

It seemed to be going okay until he randomly started crying in his high chair. I tried to pick him up but OH had strapped him in sort of behind one of those giant bibs and I couldn’t get him out and the more I tried the more he got stuck and screamed and screamed. He inhaled my hair at one point and then vomited over us both. I cleaned us up, tried again and he just cried.

I know food is for fun until they’re one but it wasn’t much fun Sad

Any pointers? Worried I’ve put him off veg for life now.

OP posts:
Original poster
lavenderandwisteria · 07/06/2021 18:43

That’s reflux - the GP can’t do much, really. Just not sure why he’s thrown up now. I thought yesterday it was because he was upset.

OP posts:
colouringcrayons · 07/06/2021 19:10

I am aware I have been wanging on about this now, but if your baby is having a possible weight issue, caused by vomiting up formula so not eating as much as your HV thinks he should, and the vomiting is caused by reflux, then your GP should be involved with investigating possible medication.

Reflux is OK to leave if it isn't impacting them but if the reflux/vomiting could be the root cause of the weight issue then I would want that checked.

Original poster
lavenderandwisteria · 07/06/2021 19:17

The problem is, he won’t take the medication so it’s a bit of a stalemate.

I’m wondering if he just isn’t ready. But he is very nearly six months. Still, a lot can change in a week.

OP posts:
colouringcrayons · 07/06/2021 19:29

Did your GP support the decision not to continue with medication? I know it is not nice to give it but it can often be done if you use a syringe.

The NHS advice is to see your GP if reflux is affecting their weight. Here is the basic info page www.nhs.uk/conditions/reflux-in-babies/ The HV should have advised you to do that. I would get the GP back involved and try again with medication to keep the formula down to help with the weight issue and then there will be less pressure to wean to address the lack of formula.

MsFrog · 07/06/2021 19:31

@lavenderandwisteria

Thanks so much. I just don’t want to get it wrong again Sad
I haven't RTFT but I just wanted to say that you didn't "get it wrong" by not being able to breastfeed. Try not to frame it like that in your mind, these things happen; although I know it can be really disappointing, you haven't failed. Don't put so much pressure on yourself!

Hopefully you and your DS will start to enjoy weaning more soon. They are often slow to start, then before you know it, you can't fill them 😊

Original poster
lavenderandwisteria · 07/06/2021 19:34

The GP just said there was nothing else on offer. We did try with the syringe but he just spat it out. Anyway it did improve a bit. He just can’t have big feeds.

Thanks msfrog Smile

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 07/06/2021 19:49

@lavenderandwisteria

That’s reflux - the GP can’t do much, really. Just not sure why he’s thrown up now. I thought yesterday it was because he was upset.
Maybe he doesn't like carrot
Original poster
lavenderandwisteria · 07/06/2021 19:50

Yes, possibly. I’m just not sure he’s ready. It’s hard to say, and I’m worried I’m doing it all wrong.

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 07/06/2021 19:52

You're not doing anything wrong. Babies are just complicated.

Original poster
lavenderandwisteria · 07/06/2021 19:53

Thanks. I do fret Smile

OP posts:
Justgettingbye · 07/06/2021 20:13

With my first I worried so much about weaning and hated every minute. It felt as though everyone's 6 months old were eating 3 meals a day of a healthy balanced diet. I was lost and ended up using a lot of jars and was at the end of my tether most of the time. When she rejected food I thought she'd starve! I was also scared of choking.

Now weaning my second with a different approach. He gets a bit of what I'm feeding her such as toast, breadsticks, rice cakes, bit of our dinner, baby porridge (can't cook real porridge) and petit filou that kinda thing. They can actually chew quite well with no teeth and I'm more laid back. He has turned 8 months and is only really swallowing food now.

Honestly don't fret. It's a slow process. Don't compare yourself to others and milk is the best at this stage anyway.

I ff my 2 after not successful bf and after my first I felt really down and felt that I'd never get over it but honestly it's not the end of the world and I came to peace with it. When they grow their own personalities and get to school the infant feeding stuff is not even mentioned. You tried it didn't work. Please forgive yourself. Worth remembering that the grass isn't always greener and there will be women breastfeeding who hate it but feel to guilty to stop or women who haven't slept in years as their toddler uses them as a dummy and they can't break the habit.

Good luck and you're baby's beautiful

Doje · 07/06/2021 21:02

OP it sounds like you're doing brilliantly.

I'd just add, try giving him little and often. Every time you sit to eat, pop him in the high chair and plonk something from the fridge in front if him! Keep all your leftovers, potatoes, tuna pasta, fish pie, quiche anything goes. Or if there's nothing in there toast a crumpet, and let him suck the butter off!

I also used to always have sweet potato chips in the fridge at all times. (Peel, chop into chip shapes, coat in oil and pop in the oven for 20 mins). Take some outside with you and sit him on the grass. My kids still eat them cold!

Gembie · 16/06/2021 00:11

Relax! It’s very normal for babies to spit out food, fling it across the room or not be that interested to begin with. My DS’s current game is to paint pictures with it on his high chair tray and simultaneously cram his fingers into his mouth with a mouthful of food in there…just let them explore and enjoy it.

I do agree with a PP that the bowl of food in that pic is gigantic - at this stage I would just be happy with a few spoons to taste and get used it - this is what Annabel Karmel says in her book, I would definitely recommend it. Babies and children take up to 13 tastes of something to get used to it - don’t be put off by face pulling, shuddering etc initially - my DS did this with most food until halfway through when he starts getting a taste for it then gobbling it down appreciatively Grin

Susannahmoody · 16/06/2021 00:17

He's a bobbin isn't he! You're doing fine, you've only just started.

I used to do bread fingers, grated cheese, omelette strips, chopped banana for my 2.

DD was an easier weaner than DS, DS basically just ate smooth pureed food till he was 3. As long as the food is going in that's all that counts.

Susannahmoody · 16/06/2021 00:18

Re, the portion size in that bowl is definitely too big. At that age, an ice cube portion size is enough to start.

Seeema2902 · 03/01/2024 09:49

@colouringcrayons

how did it turn out in the end?

in weaning hell looking for reassurance 8 months cries at most food Jusr generally very upsetting .. s

please help x

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