My dd is 17 weeks on Saturday.
Earlier this week, DD was sat in her bouncy chair watching me and my mum prepare a salad. My mum handed her a stick of green pepper to suck on. DD was obviously delighted and sucked energetically on it for about 10 mins. We watched her and made sure she did not swallow anything.
However, I had already decided not to wean earlier than guidelines as DD is a high allergy risk baby due to family history on both sides. I was anxious about my mum offereing her the pepper but her arguement was that as DD did not swallow anything, she was just enjoying the flavour and was not much different to sucking on a toy.
My mum has had five kids, 2 weened on purees at around 4 months (as was guidance), the other three, who came a little later once she was more confident in doing things her way, did BLW as and when they were ready. My brother, for example, did not wean until 13months as he showed no interest until then. All babies were EBF until weening. She is obviously an experienced mother and I really respect her opinions. BUT I'm also worried that even just sucking on something like this is not going to be good for a baby as young as DD.
So I am feeling a bit confused and wanted some other opinions. Am I being PFB to fret about DD sucking a bit of pepper? or is my mum being a 'little bit too relaxed' mother of five?
Not looking for flaming here or I would have posted in AIBU (!) but please tell me what you think.