starting solids - new evidence?

[babymiracles]

Many thanks for your replies guys - it is much appreciated.

Just feel the need to clarify a couple of things:

Firstly the question has arrisen because, as with you all, I want to do the very best I can for my daughter - and I feel it is always wise to look closely at the evidence and to make sure I have the very latest evidence at hand when making my decisions. I am still undecided as to when to introduce solids and will continue to explore and read before making my decision. Most importantly if i decided to introduce solids at 5 months it would NOT be because I want more sleep and DD to sleep through the night. I would gladly continue to get up at night for the next hundred years :-) if that was what she needed and was the best thing for her. The high incidence of allergies in children at the moment is more of a concern to me.
I had a look at the WHO site and while their recommendations are of course based on best possible evidence - but this is best possible evidence at time that guidelines where written and from what I can see (and if I am wrong someone please let me know) they were written in 2003. The article I referred to earlier looks at the evidence since this time. From what I can gather so far (granted I need to do more research) is that the studies to date have many limitations and certainly do not provide clear answers on this issue.

MantaRay - re the introducing eggs, nuts etc no later than 6 months - do you know where I can read more about this and how it should be done?

Once again, many thanks

[babymiracles]

For those interested in the current evidence and debate discussed above see the following from allergy experts

http://www.allergy.org.au/images/sto...vice_oct08.pdf

I have also heard that WHO will be changing/updating their recommendations, so keep your eye out!

[Michelle71]

WHO have been *changing their guidelines* for the past 2 years after the baby food company sponsored *education sessions* for GP's and MCHN. I will be interested to see this when it occurs.

ASCIA suggests there is no need to delay any foods but the introduction of foods / solids is *when the child is ready*. If you follow the BLS path as opposed to the puree path, this is closer to 6 months due to the development of motor skills. It also makes it easier than the preparation of purees

In the end, you make choices on your own level of comfort and knowledge when it comes to introducing solids. Some choose puree, some choose BLS. Some introduce before 6 months, others after. Whatever works for your family and child.

[MantaRay]

BM, I think you are doing a fantastic job hun. I love that you are researching and trying to make the best decision for your little one. Good on you, and whatever decision you make, I know that it will be very well considered.

I do urge you to be careful about verifying the source of your information though. Some sites have more accurate information than others.

And to clarify the WHO recommendations. Yes, these were made a few years ago, but they are constantly being reviewed, and all the latest studies have been included in the reviews (including several which have not been publised by the formula companies and therefore not able to be found in the media - they are in medical journals however). As recently as last year, a WHO scientist involved in the reviews spoke at conferences in Australia and she was very clear. The WHO has no intentions of changing their guidelines. On the basis of all the information around (not just relating to allergies, but other considerations as well), there is just no evidence that starting earlier is beneficial, and there is plenty of evidence that it can be harmful.

I might add that a leading US allergist spoke at the same conferences. I was lucky enough to meet him and hear his presentation. He explained that there is no "quick fix" to solving the increase in allergies. If it was as simple as putting a time on starting solids, then it would be easy, but there are so many factors. His experience and research has shown that there are many factors. However, he said that the biggest factor in increasing the risk of allergies for an individual baby is giving formula or solids before they are ready for the proteins - so waiting until 6 months is the safest option. Other factors include avoiding antibiotics during pg (not always possible), having a vb (not always possible), and not having a cat at home.

If you are really keen to get the latest reliable research, you can pay for information from the LRC (Lactation Resource Centre) run by the ABA. They are the leading source of medical information relating to infant feeding and well being in Australia. There is a link to the LRC from the ABA website.

Best of luck with your decision hun.

[LadyNoor]

On the contrary I'm considering (not yet deciding) introducing solids because I want to be able to sleep. I'm so tired I've been sick and cannot function very well lately.

With my first baby I didn't start introducing solids until she was 6 months old, and it was fine then because I had abundant milk. It seems now my milk supply has been compromised by lacking of rest during the day for looking after my 4 year-old, though she goes to preschool 3 times a week I still feel very tired.

In the past 3 weeks my now 4.5 months old baby has not been sleeping well. Up to when he was 3 months old he was sleeping beautifully, 4-5 hours which gave me enough time to sleep well.

When I spoke to an early childhood nurse during this sleepless period around 2 weeks a go the subject was brought up, that now it is thought that it is save to introduce solids between 4-6 months.

So, reading my baby correctly and also I now that I have lower milk supply compare when I had my first baby, my choice is to top it up with formula or starting to introduce solids.... I'm reluctant to give formula because it will only compromise more the bm supply.

Again, I'm still undecided. I'm going to consult the nurse again tomorrow and perhaps I'll see a paed if I still can't decide what I'm going to do.

I think at the end of the day, as some of you already said it, it is what works best for you and your baby... Isn't it? As long as we're not doing any harm to them...

[onthefly]

I think that allergy people are saying that while breastfeeding does offer protection against allergies, it does'nt seem that delaying solids till 6 months makes a differences.
HOWEVER, you have to bear in mind that about 1% of babies are actually exclusively breastfed till 6 months. 99% will receive formula and/or solids prior to this age, so I don't see how the theory has been disproven at all - it hasn't even been properly tested. And like MR says, there are a great many factors that can influence whether people develop allergies.
I do think another important consideration is whether your baby really needs solids and whether their digestive systems are ready to handle it. These things are baby-specific and I think you have to be led by your baby's cues here.

And yes, I've been hearing about the WHO changing guidelines since before DS started on solids.... so at least 2 years now....

It's great to do all the research and take everything into account, though. No doubt your decision will be very well considered.

[LimeSlice]

I think it needs to be remembered that the reason for not introducing full solids before 6 months is not just related to allergies, but also to the fact that the digestive system in infants is not fully developed, can be easily irritated and is simply not capable of digesting certain foods.
The delay allows the gut to develop correctly before the irritants of food are introduced.

[Sammiejane]

Not going to make much comment on the original question as i believe the the PP have said everything that i would add to these comments... other than, look into BLS - if you think that your baby is ready to eat, hand them the food themselves, they will only be able to consume what they are ready to eat - which at 6 mths is not much at all

On the contrary I'm considering (not yet deciding) introducing solids because I want to be able to sleep. I'm so tired I've been sick and cannot function very well lately.

With my first baby I didn't start introducing solids until she was 6 months old, and it was fine then because I had abundant milk. It seems now my milk supply has been compromised by lacking of rest during the day for looking after my 4 year-old, though she goes to preschool 3 times a week I still feel very tired.

Lady Noor - did you find that your fist baby slept better after solids? I didnt... and i dont know loads of people that did notice a great increase in sleep or any at all!
I would be exceptionally hesitant to start solids early based on this reason alone.

[onthefly]

I'm with SJ - made no difference whatsoever. I actually don't think I know anybody IRL who's had an improvement in sleep after starting solids... I guess it must happen for some or else this theory wouldn't be doing the rounds.
Lady Noor - being tired won't affect your milk supply. Is there any other reason you feel your supply is insufficient? No doubt it's very tring with 2 to take care of