Thankyou Christy and Caro for forwarding those links, however while they outlined the importance of giving breastmilk only for first 6 months (ect ect) I did not see any evidence that introducing solids before that time can lead to an increased risk of allergies. Maybe I missed the WHO study on this??? Or does somebody else have this information? It annoys me that I have read alot of people and websites claiming that introducing solids early relates to allergies yet I can't find the scientific evidence to support this by doing a simple google search. What about in the past when people used to start solids around 3 months of age (popular back in the 1970's I believe) - did those children have more food allergies than now? Or in the countries where solids are introduced quite late - do those children have less allergies than us? I can't find this sort of evidence readily available so it makes me think wonder how true it is. Mind you,I fully support breastfeeding exclusively until 6 months of age but find it irritating that some mum's feel quite guilty for contributing to their childs food allergy when I can't even find the evidence to say it is so!!!

I too would love to see this also, as being a first time Mum I need to start solids at some point too & i know this subject has several different veiws from everyone, & i've been the one to say it shouldn't be on the package if it's a complete NO,NO! So I'd be interested in reading it to help me make my decision as when to start. Of course my Mother says now, as she too is one who "put farex in the bottle @ 7wks OMG!!!" no I'm not listening to her LOL.
But some of you have stated how o/s packaging doesn't comply with ours & so on.....the babies o/s are not different to babies here - so is there evidence to say o/s people have more allergies due to this? I don't want to open a can of worms (sorry prob just did), but I'm still confused as to why its written on lables & in parenting books & so on if it should never ever be done. By this I mean between 4 & 6monts.....definately not before 4months.
Having said that I'd like to say proper feeding is important & we all should be aware by now milk is the best thing for bubs before 12months, BF or FF!
BTW...I'm in no hurry to start Charlie just yet - he's such a chubba already LOL.

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Erin
Me 25 DH 27
http://www.totsites.com/tot/dutchyfamily (Charlie's Pics)