I am really torn as to start solids as per guidelines or sooner?
What happens to bubs if you start them earlier? DS2 is fully breastfed. He is much bigger than DS1 was at this age? And seems ready...I knw that when they look at food doesnt nescessarily mean they are ready iykwim?
I trust my milk is doing the right job but it jsut seems that most people put their babies on solids even though its guidelines say 6 months?? So is there a risk? I really think Ds2 may be ready for something other than Breastmilk?
Do you just follow your instincts? I am just such a goody tooshoes and try to follow guidelines lol!
The guidelines are always changing....apparently now its between 4-6months. For me personally i would go with your gut instinct they are usually right.
I personally didn't start trying until my DS was really good at sitting so about 6 months. He'd been interested in food for AGES but turns out he never actually wanted to eat any, just play and in the end was exclusively BF for 8 months. I did BLS so he just used to look and play with fingerfoods maybe give them a suck but didn't actually ingest any till later on.
Maybe if you do try solids early try BLS as this will be the best indication that your bub is ready as they are regulating the intake of food rather than you spooning them food. Something like soft florets of broccoli would be a good starter or sweet potato. I think it's important that their body control is good though to minimise the risk of choking just incase they do ingest something. But go with your instincts, it wouldn't hurt to try if you think they're ready.
Hope that's helpful
Thanks girls! I think thats why i am so confused cause they guidelines do change!
Allycat we did BLS wihtb DS1 and love it....so if DS2 grabs food and sneaks it in I shouldnt frek out lol! He is pretty good with sitting in the highchair?
Is there a medical reason why you shouldnt start them early?
I believe the medical reason is increased chance of allergies but as PP said the guidelines have now changed to 4-6 months so I reckon theres no harm in trying! Sounds like seeing your DS1 eating might be the reason he's so interested, even at that age they love to copy!
remember they are just 'guidelines' so go with your gut on this one
I go with my instincts. The recommendations are 6 months. Anelise started just before 5 months. I knew she was ready fo food and from the very first mouthfull she has loved it, she even goes 'Mmmmmm' when eating something she likes and did that with the first solid feed.
BLS guidelines suggest that starting too early might be detrimental to your baby's digestive system (not developed enough to handle solid food too young, as best as the research determines a baby's system is ready at 6-10 mths, which means it will be different for every bub). There's probably nothing wrong with letting him play with and explore solid food (as you did with DS1) and let him take the lead. Chances are, he will be listening to his body and will only be 'eating' when he's really ready anyway.
On the other hand, there's really no harm in waiting, he'll be getting all he needs from your bm for a little while yet and even after he's exploring solids, bm is still his main form of nutrition. So if you are reluctant, rest assured there really is no need to start early, you won't be starving him!
Starting solids early?
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks