Weaning at 5.5 months?

[arlequin]

DS is nearly 5.5 months and has not put any weight on for weeks. I'm certain he's ready for food, but obviously don't want to put him under any digestive stress!

Should I wait another 2 weeks or is he ok now to try some food?

Speak to your health visitor.

Generally speaking, food won’t help him gain weight as it’s lower calorie than milk. But only a medical professional who knows your child can say exactly why he isn’t gaining weight and what effect food might have (if it’s reflux for example, food MIGHT help).

Thanks @MoreLidlThanWaitrose, I saw a HV yesterday who said that he was getting ready for solids and that's why his weight had plateaued (he's not underweight). She said advice is 6 months but some people choose to do it before (I felt like she couldn't speak freely as had the guidelines she had to follow)

It’s absolutely fine. Nothing magically happens in 2 weeks to make them ready for solids. I think you’ll find most people start before 6 months now. It’s beneficial in reducing allergy risk too.

Thanks @Grandmasswag

He can't yet sit unaided - is this a problem?

Started at 5 months here but we did see the doctor first as like you his weight had stopped increasing and he was starting to fuss with milk. Doctor said many babies are ready a little earlier than 6 months. I would always double check with a professional if starting early.
DS had purées for a month before we started BLW at 6 months and it solved our issues.

Not if you start with mashed texture (small enough pieces that they can’t choke) purées, porridge, peanut butter. Even scrambled egg. I started with dc 2 at 17 weeks because dc1 has severe allergy. So we started on the above. Then move onto finger food as soon as they can sit. It’s really not a big deal but there are some weird evangelists about weaning that will tell you all sorts of stuff that’s not really evidence based.

The signs of readiness are in this link. As long as LO is demonstrating those it's fine to start offering solid food once a day. There's no rush to build up to anymore at this point though, the NHS only recommends moving to 3 times a day between 8 and 9 months.