5MO Seems desperate for solids

[LetThereBeCupcakes]

5MO DS has been showing signs of being ready for a while (sitting up / holds head up well / everything goes straight in mouth etc) but seemed fairly content. However, the last couple of weeks he's been a nightmare at mealtimes. We used to put him in his bouncer whilst we ate and he was quite happy. Now as soon as food goes on the table he screams until we pick him up and sit him on our laps. We then spend the whole time trying to keep his hands out of our food. When he does get something he doesn't hesitate - straight in the mouth. We're making sure to only eat suitable things at the moment! Today he took a chunk out of my rosemary plant .

I was hoping to wait until 6 months and do BLW with him - should we just go with the flow and start on purees?

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Have you tried putting him in a high chair and giving him a bowl and spoon without the food? This can often hold things off for a couple of weeks.

If he really is showing signs of readiness you can start blw, but only offer fruit and veg at this age.

Have you read the Mn weaning info? Its very good. You might also like How do we get started with solids?

[philosophicmum]

I would say if he's picking up food and putting it in his mouth he's ready to start BLW - it's supposed to be baby led, and if some babies start later then some babies will probably start earlier. Maybe just stick to fruit and veg until he's 6 months to be on the safe side. My DS2 is also 5 months and I'm letting him pick up and play with fruit and veg, but so far he's not at all interested in eating it, just squishing it in his hands and tasting it briefly.

[LetThereBeCupcakes]

Hi, thanks so much for your posts. Spoke to our HV today and she has agreed he seems ready. She was concerned about how much weight I've lost and thinks he's literally draning me. So we gave him some baby porridge today and he absolutely wolfed it down - not a bit left. Hopefully he'll be a bit happier now!

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

If you are loosing weight, are you feeling ok? Are you looking after yourself OP? Milk feeds might not reduce for some time so weaning might be a good opportunity to get lots some healthy food yourself. Failing tht I found tht the Halva from waitrose sustained my weight nicely

[LetThereBeCupcakes]

Thaans jilted - I'm tired but otherwise fine. I eat loads! Fortunately I was overweight to start with so the weight loss hasn't caused a problem for me. I will look at Halva though.

[LetThereBeCupcakes]

Just googled Halva... I need some....

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Its yum

[turnwest]

I had the same problem, a very hungry 5 month son. I started BLW from 5 months, just simple fruits and veggies at first. We ve never looked back, he s 8 months now and will happily feed himself a pasta, chicken, anything really, if he s ready he s ready.

[Brugmansia]

I'm wondering about this at the moment. I had intended just to wait until 6 months. DS is ebf and has always eaten loads. He is now 5 months. He has started eating less frequently but otherwise I think is showing signs of readiness. He's been sitting unsupported for a few weeks and is pretty good at picking things up. I'm not sure about the tongue thing. I know it's not a sign of being ready, but he watches us eating lots and tries to grab, although most of his fascination is with drinks out of glasses and mugs.

I was thinking of just offering him bits of cooked veg, things like carrot, brocolli and courgette, and seeing how he responds. If he eats them would this indicate he is ready? I'm just worried about any possible harm if he's not actually ready. If he isn't ready will he just not really eat anything because of the tongue reflex?

[LovePotatoes]

My Dd2 (5.5mths) is grabbing my food and breast feeding more regularly!!!!! I am going to stock up on veg and start BLW this week. Her little face watching us eat is so cute ;)
I better remember to put a mat or carrier bag under high chair. Good luck OP.

[LovePotatoes]

if you are with your baby superivising he should be fine even if not ready. Worst he will do is apit out food or throw food to floor etc

[LovePotatoes]

excuse typos....nursing baby and typing ;)