Oh the guilt... to start solids or not?

[Lewis's Mummy]

Glad I found this thread! I've just read the article Barb linked and have to agree it is my DS down to a tea! Was sleeping through now doesn't, is almost 5 months and people are telling me to put him on solids. He's a big boy so even our GP had suggested it. Neither DH nor I have a history of allergies ourselves, but our siblings do, so we're a little cautious anyway. BUT I've also noticed the tongue thrust reflex is still well in place, so figure it's not time yet. Ultimately I've decided for us it's best to keep going without solids for 2 reasons besides the allergy/intolerance and WHO recommendation. 1 - I have plenty of milk and with a paranoia re mastitis I don't care too much that I'm feeding DS at night again and 2 - I can't be stuffed making the food for him anyway. I reckon the best thing about breastmilk is that I don't have to do anything except give him the boob! In the meantime I sometimes give him a plastic spoon, teething ring or wet face washer to play with/suck on/chomp on when we're eating... it keeps him occupied if nothing else.

[MantaRay]

Well done LM. You are so good at understanding your DS's cues. I am sure you will know when the time is right. And I agree with you on bfing being easier - I think that's the easiest time with them, before they are on food. I often wonder why people are in such a hurry to make their lives more difficult!

[Rahjah]

wow. I loved that article, thanks.

[Mads]

I also loved that article. It really describes my daughter. Distracted half feeds in the day. Both boobs and efficient feeds at night!

I am currently at the 'will I or won't I start feeding aswell'

What is interesting is hearing that there is new research about starting solids and allergies- there was someone on a day time chat show last week talking about it, and my sil took her 2 year old to the allergist last week, to follow up with his egg and peanut allergy. He told her that new research is to start bubs between 4 and 6 months- a slow introduction of foods if you like so that by 6 months they are 'starting feeding'. a study had apparently shown that waiting till after 6 months was not actually preventing allergies- allergy rates have increased. I googled this and read a lot of the information.

I personally feel my daughter is not displaying any signs of 'wanting' to eat. unlike your son!!

I have decided that at 5 months I will try for the spoon a day introduction- after breast, but will not force the issue. Apparently its all learning and they barely consume anything anyway!

Food for thought!

[Lolli]

Seeing as this has been bumped, I'll give you guys the update... we started solids at five months and one week and are loving it- my GP actually ended up recomending it due to the intense feeding schedule that was taking it's toll on my mental health!!
Hawksey, I've seen that research too, especially concerning peanuts- some experts are saying that waiting till 24 months is increasing the risk of allergies, not decreasig. But I'm not sure I'm ready to push it that far as yet!!
Thanks for all your help and opinions Good old BB- what would I do without it?

[june78]

LoriRae I know its probably been a pretty confusing time for you. I am glad that DS is happy with solids. Hopefully it will help you out a bit too. Take it slow and enjoy it.

[Mads]

Thats great news that he is going well. Sounds like you are both happier now!

Mary