Overfeeding?

[Mushroo]

We started weaning our 5.5 month old (slightly early because she has eczema and GP recommend earlier introduction of allergens).

I keep reading how food under one is just for fun, and it’s all about exploring flavours and textures at this stage.

However, LO loves food! We’re one week in and she’ll happily eat quite a lot in one sitting (e.g a whole small potato or half an avocado). I think she’d eat more if we offered it.

This is feeding herself with her hands, or we put food on the spoon and she’ll spoon feed herself.

Is that ok? Worried she might be overeating. I also thing she like to eat three meals a day but seems early to be increasing food?

I'm not medical at all, but am a few months ahead of you in my weaning journey as a first time mum.

The goal is 3 meals and 2 snacks a day by 1, how you get there is all down to baby! Also babies apparently can't over eat, so welcome the appetite and willingness to try new foods ☺️ there are some good Facebook groups that share the research they base their advice on, just search BLW.

We probably did 1 meal a day 6-7 months, maybe the odd snack. Then soon moved to 3 meals, and introduced the 2 snacks at 11.5 months as she was dropping bottles.

Food before 1 is for fun, they still get their nutrients etc from formula or breast milk so ensure they're having at least 21 oz a day x

Totally agree in that you're aiming for 3 meals and 2 snacks by 12 months.

The NHS also recommend moving to offering food 3 times a day between 8 and 9 months, taking baby's lead.

If you're worried about the amount they eat are eating, try to offer milk roughly an hour before food for now and there is a good guide on portion sizes here.

And don't forget to take tonnes of photos!