Wind, toilet frequency and solids for a 6 mth old

[Yeddi]

The lack of poos is most probably because he is using it all, and there is very little waste. I would say the lack of stools is an indicator that he might be starting to need more, I wouldn't let your desire to do things together with DH or an arbitrary age (either younger or older) stop you from providing something he might need - but that is up to you. The thing I would question is his wind. I know a lot of people say it's "normal" for babies to experience wind pain, but I would tend to disagree. While it is normal for babies to have wind, it shouldn't hurt. If he is having discomfort when passing wind that would indicate to me that he is intolerant to something in your diet, which would effect the way I would introduce solids, starting with things that were low in sallicylates and amines, as well as making sure it was a simple carbohydrate (like fruit and veg) before introducing them to complex carbs like cereals and grains, which they don't have the enzyme to break down properly until nearer to 7 months anyway (hence the reason I've always questioned the nutritionally cardboard-like white rice cereal as a first food). I personally even question baby led solids, because babies gut is not the same as ours and is at this time still developing the enzymes and acids it needs to work properly. The reason why people have used purees (and before that mum chewed the food up first before giving it to bub, a bit like a bird) is because babies don't have teeth and the more solid the portion going into the stomach the harder it is to process, therefore the less nutrients is stripped from it before it is finally excreted, and hence you can see big chunky bits in their poo - this is not a good thing. Conversely, the more masticated the food is, the easier it is to break down and get the nutrients needed. Also a lot of the foods suggested first in BLS are super high in sallicylates and amines (broccoli, carrot, tomato based meals) and intolerances are normally only shown to the point where they get our attention (like a rash) once they are compounded.

Pear is usually a good option first. Apples are okay if they are skinned yellow or red, not granny smiths. Plain **homemade** chicken stock (it's just the water the chicken has been boiled in) is also good and can eventually have mashed white potato (which is high in zinc and vitamin C) mixed in. I would add them one at a time and see how he goes before introducing ones that are higher in sallicylates/amines. Watch for a reaction, not just rashes but irritability and painful wind. If you get the later, I would investigate an intolerance to that food. HTH