DD born (a bit) early - should I delay weaning?

[fadingfast]

Dd was born at 38 weeks - not very early I know (and anything after 37 weeks is deemed term), but should I hold off weaning for a couple more weeks?

We have a family history of allergies, and tbh she is showing no signs of needing anything more than milk. Is there any problem with delaying weaning beyond 6 months or is there a reason why I should start now?

I asked my HV about this as my DS was born at 37 1/2 weeks. Apparently you start counting from when they were actually born as that's when the gut was introduced to milk.

I would hold off if she's showing no signs of needing more milk, especially with a family history of allergies, if I were you. It would give me peace of mind. There's nothing wrong with delaying weaning for a bit, there's are some babies on MN who didn't eat anything until after 1 so a few weeks won't make much difference.

Blimey - after 1? Really? That's ok then. It's just my hv was going on about the 'window of opportunity' for weaning and I didn't want to risk missing this mysterious window...

The window of opportunity has now been discredited I believe. There was a train of thought that if they weren't eating by ?8 or 9 months I think it was, that they would have problems with eating and speech.

However if I remember rightly that research was based on children with other developmental problems as well.

If she shows no signs of needing solid food I wouldn't worry yet - wait until she tells you she is ready.

Agree with Sidge, the window of opportunity is rubbish. DD has been offered food since 6 months (BLW) and has picked at it but only now at 14 months is she eating more than a tiny amount. Milk is all they need til they're one anyway, food is just an experiment with tastes and textures. Start when you feel comfortable.

DS was also born at 38 weeks, I was planning to start BLW at 26 weeks (provided he's sitting with minimal support etc) working on the assumption it'll probably take him a little while to get anything much into his stomach.

Because 38 weeks is considered full term I've never bothered to correct his age, however he is noticably a few weeks behind a girl at his baby group when it came to head control, rolling over and support needed to sit up. They share a birthday but she was nearly 2 weeks late so there is about a month difference in their 'real' ages.

Do BLW, it's the best way to know when she's ready. There's no window at all, when you look at historical weaning and even today around the world, 6 month is quite early. There really is no rush, she'll do it when she's ready.

DD was born at 38 weeks and fully breastfed.
We started her on solids at 5 months on the dot.

She was just screaming whenever she saw her brother (weaned after 6 months) eating and was clearly very satisfied when we finally understood that she wanted some of it.

we gave her a rice cake to chew on then very soft carrots and sweet potato then papaya.
2 weeks down the line, she is very enthusiastic. sucks and sort of chews then swallows or spits out when she's had enough.

We also make a little bit of baby rice/porridge with breast milk and give her a spoon to play with. she sucks and dribbles and gets agitated if she wants more so I use another spoon to help her. She only takes about 3 spoonfuls.
That's plenty as she still wants (and needs) a lot of milk.

They are all very different. She had very good head control from about 4 months and can sit unsupported for a little while and quite long with a little support.
She swallows happily too and has lost the tongue thrust reflex (another sign of readiness)

Do introduce solids one at a time with 4 days intervals. Do not rush. In the first 3 months it's just all about getting used to textures/tastes and helping the digestive system into the transition.
It's true all they really need is milk.
And don't believe those who say babies sleep better when their tummies are full it's just bull. Don't rush into weaning for that reason.

Good luck

wow slim
she's already sitting?! i must come and see you - time is flying

nearly 6 months old!!
yes she can sit nicely if propped a little ......then she starts reaching forward and the head still being so heavy...........she loses her balance.
She is still quite happy on her back but will not sit in the recliner anymore. She just lunges forward and is really happiest standing on her 2 feet.

I'll call you later.

(very proud mum emoticon)