DD is 23 wks and HV banging in about 'new advice' and 'window of opportunity'

[StrikeUpTheBand]

Hi,

I have one DS who was 2 months prem (now 3) and did mostly BLW with him (from 7 months because he didn't have the coordination before that). My DD is now 23 weeks and although she shows a lot of interest in putting things in her mouth and often swipes at my food I was planning on leaving it till 26 weeks. However, saw HV today and she was very clear that the advice was (according to her) to wean between 5 and 6 months and certainly by 6 months. I told her my intention was to start in a few more weeks and do BLW. She was ok about this but kept saying now was the optimum time etc.

Why is she so sure about this? Have I missed something?

bruffin - nothing ESPGHAN says undermines current guidance.

(google ESPGHAN complementary feeding if you need to refresh your memory)

It presents exclusive breastfeeding 'for about 6 mths' as desirable. It says comp feeding should start no later than 26 weeks, and not before 17 weeks. This is exactly what UK guidance says. The 17 weeks thing is there to accommodate individual needs and parental preference, so people are informed that solids earlier than this date are harmful - but generally, 26 weeks is just fine.