Stupid question from weaning novice!

[Species8472]

Going to start my DD on baby rice this week. It says to mix in 1 spoon of rice to 10 or whatever of rice - is that a baby-sized weaning spoon, or a normal teaspoon, or what? Sorry if this is daft question! Am not really looking forward to the weaning stage, the bf has got so simple, wish I could just carry on with that!

You don't have to give baby rice you know. I didn't bother with it, just went straight to whatever we were having. Less hassle.

bump

Yep, I know I don't need to start with rice, or purees etc. but I don't fancy doing BLW and would prefer more of a 'structured' process, if that makes sense, at least to start off with.

Anyway, is it measured in baby spoons or normal spoons (am presuming baby spoons?)

Also, my dad assures me that solids will make DD sleep better at night, but they won't will they?

It won't matter which size spoon you use as long as you use the same spoon to measure each ingredient with.

Solids don't affect sleep but sleep problems around the 4-6 month mark tend to be short lived so often them getting better coincides with starting solids. HTH

The only thing I give to DS that needs mixing with water is porridge.

I use a heaped desert spoon - I think the guidelines are 1 spoon of porridge to 3 of water (so realistically, it doesn't matter what size spoon you use)

But, in real terms, you will work out what consistency your baby likes and you will alter the amount of water accordingly.

I think when they first start on solids, it can make a difference to night feeds... Not that I would know - DS is now 19 months old and rarely sleeps through the night (though has for the last 3 nights - so keeping my fingers crossed!!!)

Cheers Bertie! My parents and PIL seem convinced about the solids/sleep thing - maybe it's a generational thing

Well solids take longer to digest than milk so technically I suppose they should feel fuller for longer. I suppose if you started at 3 or 4 months like they used to, it would make a bigger difference as their guts are not as mature so would take even longer to digest it. But that it helps them sleep would certainly have been what their doctor/health visitor would have told them.

When you have mixed up the baby rice, don't worry if it still mainly looks like milk - I got all excited about feeding solids, and was a ltitle disappointed when I saw the consistency. To start, you probably want to mix about 2 teaspoons of rice, then next time you could do more or less as baby dictates.

Thanks