Is there any good reason to wean a baby before 6 months?

[pinkie93]

My boy is 18w5d, he's obviously not ready for weaning yet but recently a lot of people (mum, nan, aunties) have been telling me that he looks like he'll be ready soon, but I thought it was only suitable at 6 months.

He is 99th centile for length and 91st centile for weight, plus he has very good neck strength and can sit up for a very short time without support. He's also exclusively breastfed, he's a very hungry boy and eats a lot but is still gaining. He also shows a lot of interest in food and grabs for it, but I don't think this means anything as he doesn't know what it is.

So are they right? What would be good reasons to wean before 6 months?

[Hidden]

I think all babies are individual but if he is content on milk then I would hold off until 6 months.

It’s hard to make that decision & only you as mum know instinctively know what is right for your little boy- don’t feel pressured by others- they are wrong it is 6 months- older generation are out of touch!

I weaned my son at 4 months but that is what we were advised to do ( he’s 21!) He does now have a slight sensitive stomach maybe there is a good reason to wait till 6 months?

My 6 month old daughter I held off until she was 6 months old- lots of well meaning family members kept asking when & why we weren’t weaning her yet 🙄 but we as her parents knew she wasn’t ready she suffered terrible colic ( still does). She was having milk every 2 hours & getting up 1/2 times through the night.We did introduce her to baby apple juice at 5 & half months old so she got used to something other than milk. I’m glad we waited as I didn’t want to risk any possible bowel issues later on for her.

P.s my daughter is at 99 centile for height xxx

[Cheekymonkey85]

Honestly I think all you can go off is your baby. Feeding lots isn't an indication, your milk is perfect for now. I waited until the 6months for my daughter, but it took until she was 7months for her to be properly interested in food, but my son was 5months when I introduced a few things because he was snatching off my plate & I kinda just let him try- I took that as a sign of his readiness. One of the first things I gave him was roasted sweet potato, just a few spoonfuls & he cried when it was all gone so I had to get a little more lol

I think it's best to wait until 6months if you can, but if baby shows you he wants food then a bit would be ok- personal opinion though & obviously not current guidelines x

[AJBee]

I started my boy on solids when he was 5 months old (from due date not birthday as he was 4 weeks early). This was on the advice of an HV cause he had/has silent reflux. It was just an ice cube of pureed veg once a day and eventually at 6 months porridge for breakfast and some finger foods too. I'm not sure if it helped with the reflux cause he's on renitadine which seemed to do the job (I was most pleased by the appearance of solid poos!) He's 9 months next week and eats absolutely everything now. Even liver and tinned mackerel! 😂 Obviously every baby is different, but just to say there are still some HVs that seem happy to suggest early weaning. I guess all you can do is try (if you want to of course, do t feel pressured by anyone). If he pushes it out his mouth then he's not ready. Good luck whatever you decide xx

[MissEd]

Reaching for your food or look is not a sign. Just fyi

Have you also been told that they fed you/their children at 4 months and youve turned out ok!!!

I waiting till 5.5 months and he loved it. As you lo is putting on lots of weight id just stay on milk as long as poss

[pinkie93 in reply to MissEd]

Believe me I'm in no rush, I love breastfeeding and plan to continue until my boy is 2.