Too young for blw?

[jinglesticks]

Dd2 is only 20 weeks, but sits up, grabs things and puts in mouth. So I was wondering if I should start weaning. With DD1 we did blw and it was great so I was planning to do this again. We weaned dd1 at 24 weeks, after a hv told me off for not having weaned her yet! She said that babies should be weaned by 24 weeks and I should go home and wean her straight away! Is there any reason why I should start offering dd2 finger food now, given that she seems ready? Or would you wait a few weeks yet?

[Sleepybunny]

Hi no help, but I am in a similar situation with my dd. she is 21 weeks and can bring toys to her mouth and 'chews' them she can pick up a spoon, put it in her mouth etc, and sits with minimal support.
I really wanted to wait until as close to 6 months before starting, but I didn't count on her being quite as nimble at this stage.

I also plan on doing BLW, so if they are able to pick up a soft vegetable, chew it, does that mean they are ready to start? I thought this was the point of BLW, that they won't actually eat anything until they are ready anyway? Have I got this wrong?

Hoping someone will be along with some helpful advice.

[Whatalotofpiffle]

I did it at 20 weeks... Try it!!! Back later

[Sleepybunny]

Ooh really! How did it go? The LO take to it quickly?

Nervous to start!

[ellangirl]

I'd wait. All babies put things in their mouths so it's not really a true sign of readiness. 24-26 weeks is the recommended time to start weaning. There's no rush, despite what your HV said!

[Florin]

I started when he turned 5 months (not sure what that is in weeks). He has bad reflux and solid food improved it loads. Controversial but I have given him most things from the start. I did a lot of research and there is studies that show it may be a good thing to introduce wheat before 6 months (before everyone goes mad this is a very personal decision and one I made for my son after research, everyone is free to make their own mind up).
At the beginning he wasn't keen on veggies but adored toast with pear purée on top. Normally I wouldn't have been in a rush to wean however it improved his reflux so much and the constipation he was getting from his special milk that once we started he was a different baby so so much happier. Now he is 9 months he eats everything apart from whole nuts, honey and raw shellfish. He adores food, loves eating out with us in restaurants and will happily sit at the table while eating a pile of food. He is at an age now that we just order him his own meal and let him get on with it. He will eat anything from chicken legs to scallops.
One thing which I think makes blw easier is making his lunch time a sensible time for you to have lunch too. My ds has his at 12:30 which mean him and I eat lunch together everyday and it makes life so much simpler when we are out and about or on holiday.

[JollyPurpleGiant]

We started with tastes of fruit and veg at 21w. You can't give gluten, dairy or meat until 6mo anyway afaik.

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Dd started blw at 23 weeks when she grabbed some food and scoffed it. I'd wait a few more weeks though. Before 26 weeks you have to watch what you give them, once she hits 26 weeks I think its only honey and whole nuts you have to avoid.

[Sleepybunny]

Thanks! Decision made! I'll wait a few more weeks at least

[Figgygal]

Just because he can put things in his mouth doesnt mean he needs to put food in it surely?

Is he hungrier than normal that would be the sign id be looking for otherwise id wait.

[Sleepybunny]

See this is where I get confused. I was thinking increased milk demands could just be a growth spurt. But she now demands less milk and my HV is saying that she is now getting bored of milk and is needing something else.

I'm in no rush to wean, (I'm making the most of the comparatively pleasant nappies!) but the same as the OP, the signs aren't exactly clear cut!

[MadameJosephine]

A baby bored of milk? I've heard it all now!

It is difficult to decide when they are ready though, DDis 22 weeks and puts everything in her mouth at the moment but she's also teething so it could just be that. She seems to be fascinated when she watches us eat though so I'm going to start sitting her at the table with us over the next couple of weeks and see what she does but like others I'm not in too much of a hurry (not looking forward to the mess tbh, good job I have wooden floors and a dog!)

[Sleepybunny]

Yep! Poor mite is bored apparently! I'm a terrible mother I'm not sure how she can be bored if she has only ever tasted milk or water!

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

I can't quite get my head around a baby being bored of milk either. What a shame your HV is a day late for enabling mothers to bf till 6 monts