I've just found out weaning starts at 6 months, Why and when did this change?

[lucy5]

Not having been involved with weaning for some time, my dd is 4, there seems to have been a change in thinking which has passed me by. In my day, hahaha, it was 4 months although i dont know how long it had been 4 months for. Been advised that this could get heated. I dont want to start an arguement, I am just interested.

[misdee]

apparently the WHO chave always said 6months for a long long time. but i was only aare of it when dd2 was born (almost 3years ago)

[hercules]

It's been 6 months for over 10 years but our gov only change guidelines a couple of years ago. Some would say because they didnt give decent maternity leave and so made 6 months the guidelines at the same time as changing maternity leave to 6 months.

[lucy5]

Ah missed that one completely.

[diva4mgl]

i always thought weaning was at 6 months untill i found out many baby meals starting 4 months
very confusing isn`t it?
anyway we started last week and she is doing great, she is 4 months now

[hercules]

were you swayed by the labelling of the food or were you going to do it anyway? Just asking out of interest as labelling of baby food and ages comes up sometimes.

[Dophus]

The reason behind it is that early weaning has been linked to food allergies. It is thought that by delaying weaning for as long as possible that you decrease the risk of developing a food allergy.

I found that at about 5 months DS was no longer satidified with just milk.

[cornishpastie]

I was advised by my health visitor that weaning could start from 17 weeks.I started my daughter at 18 weeks. I thought that the 6 month rule applied to those who were breast feeding but it is confusing.

[hunkermunker]

Most HVs should be lined up and shot.

[hercules]

Oh come on, hunker. We all know it only applies to mums in third world countries.

[PiccadillyCircus]

I think food labelling makes a difference. If you see something as suitable from 4 months then you tend to believe it.

[mumtosomeone]

Not sure when it changed. but I do know that its so easy the longer you leave it!!

[aloha]

I think food labelling makes a HUGE difference personally. Have to say, 'waiting' does make it easier. Did just before four months with ds, and six months with dd - who is six and a half months and ate broccolli cheese for her dinner last night!

[stacijc]

when ds1 was born the guideline was 4-6 months and they changed b4 ds2 was born to 6 months. when i was little my mum says the guideline was 3 months.

[aquamanda]

Last time this came up i dug out an old baby book from the forties/fifties and weaning in that is 6 months (no ready made baby meals then)but by weaning they did mean weaning and not maintaining breast or bottle feeding once baby was weaned.

It's an interesting book, actually, called The Housewife Baby Book..some of it is very current and some totally old fashioned which just shows how we go round in circular fashions...a lot of them politically driven, even in child care.

[aloha]

In the twenties solids were introduced at 8-9months. Puts 'waiting' for six months in perspective I think.

[hunkermunker]

Aloha, my great aunt was amazed that I was considering giving DS food before he was a year old!

[hunkermunker]

PS - Herc

[merryberry]

Mate of mine has a 3 yr old DS and just popped DD. She is in hysterics about how much advice has changed in three years only!

[mumtosomeone]

when I was young it was done by weight I think!!!
I did first 3 around 4 months last 2 at 6 months!
All healthy now. but it was quicker and easier with last 2

[sweetbean]

so glad that others are confused by the weaning issue ! i don't know wether im coming or going!!! dh id 6 months and started weaning on baby rice a month ago as she was so hungery but she hated it so stopped and went back on to just milk then the HV went mad saying that its realy important now 6 months. i think that its so confusing and franky quite streesful weaning a baby especialy as you are told not to until they are 6 months and then as soon as they reach that mile stone you are made to feel that they sould be eating a steak dinner already !!!!!!!!!!!

[alux]

what seems practical to me, (coming from a first time mum with an 18 wk dd) is to wait until the baby's natural reflexes tell you that he/she is ready.

I've read that once the tongue stick-out-your-tonge reflex goes, it is ok to start to wean.

I can't see the point of putting food into baby's mouth if this reflex means that you, baby, furniture, floor and wall will wear 95% of it. I hate housecleaning.

[hercules]

When I told a hv that part of the reason you know baby isnt ready is because of the tongue reflex she said not to worry about it and force it in! She was the head hv as well

As if people many years ago had food processors. A wise bfc told me that cave people would not have faffed about with processors, they waited until the baby could sit up eg around 6 months at least which is also around the time they lose the chocking reflex.

[mumtosomeone]

Think you need to remember babies get hungry about 3 months but dont need weaning!
The advice is 6 months so why go against it?
No baby Needs solids before then!

[cheekymonk]

I started weaning at about four and a half months as my little boy just seemed 'ready' for it. I made up basic veg purees for first month along with fruit purees with baby rice. He loved this and I've gradually been introducing more fruit and veg until I made up chicken and fish meals from 6 months onwards. I think I am lucky but he seems to enjoy everything I give him. The one time I tried a jar Oliver just wasn't interested. Weaning is hard work, but I find it so rewarding to see my little boy enjoying a meal I have made for him and knowing that he is getting so much goodness. He looks the picture of health and despite everyone making me feel a neurotic mess over most other issues I feel weaning is my main success story so far!