Weaning later than 6 months

[LolaKnickers]

OK, so advice in recent years has been to delay weaning until 6 months rather than doing it at 16 weeks. Just curious as to what anyone thinks about leaving weaning longer than 6 months?

As I recall, weaning my elder daugher at 6 months was a thankless task; we did a sort of BLW with some baby food as well. Wouldn't the whole thing be easier if left just a little bit longer? If so, how long - 7, 8, 9 months? After all, milk is meant to be the main source of nutrition until 12 months. Or would it be harmful to leave it longer than 6 months? Any thoughts / advice?

I don't think you need to do it intensely from 6 months - I intend to BLW DS2 as I did for DS1, i.e. if he's up when you're eating, sit them up, give them a bit and stand well back! i.e. it's just involving them at the table at dinner time, giving them an opportunity to learn about eating (from watching the family and practising skills of picking up, putting to mouth, chewing) but you're not going to too much trouble?

ESPHGAN research suggests that delaying the introduction of gluten after 6 months increases the risk of coeliacs (sp?).

Babies also need more iron in their diet from around 6 months - this can only be achieved by supplementing with food.

So no, I personally think delaying weaning is not of benefit to the baby (but may benefit the mum )

I concur with addicted. Some researchs points that delaying weaning causes as much allergies and intolerances as early weaning. Also weaning helps with speach development. But you can find what is easier for you /and your baby to wean. Don't make those dishes baby books advises, just mush your diner, and give some finger foods, and don't worry about how much is taken.
I have read too that late weaning is the main cause of fussy eating in the UK, but I am not sure of the validity of that one

Some people think that there's a window of opportunity. Sounds like tosh to me but I'm not a scientist.

With something like BLW weaning is a very gradual process with your DC taking what/when they want/need. So you start when they're ready - not when the calendar says it is time to.... It was nearly 7 months before I knew DS had swallowed anything rather than just gummed it. He made a huge fuss about a poo and when I changed it I noticed three kiwi seeds in it.. that's how I know stuff was going in!!

Addicted - I thought that gluten should be delayed as long as poss to avoid coeliacs? Am confused now! Do you have any links to the research/any guidace? DS now 7 months and not introduced gluten yet.

If you google "ESPHGAN complimentary feeding" it will come up as a pdf (sorry - don't know how to link!).

studies haqve shown introducing cereal before 3 months or after 7 months increases risk of coeliacs disease. It is still recommended to wait till 6 months to introduce wheat/gluten.

Gut problem link to baby weaning

Provided baby is being breastfed while gluten foods are introduced, baby is less likely to develop coeliac disease, link to research here

Guidelines in Sweden have now been revised to wean between 4-6 months, I believe.