Not wanting to really do this but...

[Hunnie]

I don't think this rooting around in her mouth is for her teeth as much as I thought it was :/. She's constantly asking for milk but it doesn't seem to be satisfying her enough even when she's drunk all the bottle (7oz) and if I give her more shes sick or refuses it and is then asking for more again sooner and shes been doing this for a while now. It makes me think that the milk isn't giving her that full belly feeling? Shes been grabbing at my hands again tonight when I had her on my knee eating a yoghurt and is so interested in watching us eat but part of me also thinks thats just because shes developing her skills and is generally more interested in everything?

I ideally wanted to wait a lot longer but I do think she's hungry. I don't want her to have hungry baby milk as my HV said it could cause constipation and that's why I put her on comfort milk in the first place but then at the same time I worry that if I gave her a little sloppy baby rice then that could cause her to become blocked up as well?

I know both me and my brother were weaned at about this time and neither of us are overweight and we never have been, neither of us have allergies and both have good eating habits.

It's just so hard when there's all these conflicting guidelines.

Is there any harm in trying a little this Tuesday and Wednesday and see how she goes and then make a decision whether to stop or carry on with a bit for breakfast every morning?

 

[pinkyprincess]

I'd say no. Tyler grabs at my hands and puts them into his mouth. It's a milestone not a signal he's hungry. She could be going through a growth spurt, i know Tyler is i had to put him down for bed 3 times and he sucked for about half an hour a time. Someone posted this the other day (sorry cant remember who) and it really reassured me http://www.mumsnet.com/babies/weaning#The_readiness_signs_that_actually_matter

 

[Jaxx01]

I know around this time hun they go through a growth spurt, maybe be worth just trying to give her enzymes if and when she needs it? A lot of people confuse this growth spurt around this time for the need to wean...but obviously you know your baby

xx

 

[Jaxx01]

Lol clearly that was meant to say extra not enzymes haha sorry bloody iPhone! X

 

[knopk@]

It was me who posted the link. It is probably comfort she wants. My lo wants to suck but wont take the milk in the bottle. Her gut isnt mature, please please dont give her food yet

 

[Hunnie]

Im not really keen on the idea to be honest but it doesnt help when I have my mum and his mum suggesting it :/ xx

 

[Jaxx01]

Aww hunni.... She's your baby, don't feel pressured xx

 

[pinkyprincess]

Im not really keen on the idea to be honest but it doesnt help when I have my mum and his mum suggesting it :/ xx

Just smile and tell her you'll bare that in mind and do what you feel is right

 

[Bunnykins]

Argh bloody parents, what is it with them wanting us to wean our babies early all the time!!! Just cos it was right in their day doesn't make it right now, science & medical research is improved on all the time and we learn more about what is best for babies, if it didn't we'd all still be using leeches as a cure for everything!!!!

If they keep telling you to wean and you really don't want to then just show them the world health org website where it strongly recommends babies wait until 6 mths to wean. Mind you it didn't work on my parents who are very 'the earth is flat' when it comes to the latest in baby guidelines but unlucky for them N is my lo so I decided what was best for him not them!!!!

If you think she's not satisfied by a bottle and its not just comfort then try speaking to your hv maybe, as they might have some ideas? I definitely think it's a bit early for food as she should be getting all her nutrients from milk and if you fill her with food she might not have as much milk and may not get everything she needs. Have you tried distracting her after her bottle with a dummy or a teething toy or play with her, then try her with another bottle 20 mins later if she's still hungry? I've not been bottle feeding N for long but sometimes he thinks he wants more after he's finished but if I distract him he forgets it u.less he's genuinely hungry then he doesn't so I give him more

 

[Verity2011]

I agree with everyone - you know your baby best and it really is too early to wean. Remind your mum that when you first start weaning it's about introducing new textures not initially about nutrition. Babies will still get most of their nutrition from milk. hope that helps hon

 

[Mrs. KM]

Great website Knopk@ and Pinky!

 

[Hunnie]

Ive tried with the dummy and ended up giving her a bigger size as she struggled to keep hold of the smaller ones and she will sat quite happily with it in for a little while but then she will really start crying and the dummy is useless in calming her.

My HV has organised for a nursery nurse to come on the 8th may to talk about weaning, apparently its standard practise around here for them to visit, so ill just wait till then and see what she says and thinks about it all. Its only 3 weeks away x

 

[Maria1977]

I'd say no. Tyler grabs at my hands and puts them into his mouth. It's a milestone not a signal he's hungry. She could be going through a growth spurt, i know Tyler is i had to put him down for bed 3 times and he sucked for about half an hour a time. Someone posted this the other day (sorry cant remember who) and it really reassured me http://www.mumsnet.com/babies/weaning#The_readiness_signs_that_actually_matter

^^WSS Defo not a sign of hunger xxx

 

[littlemiss83]

I'd def agree with the other girls, its way too early. Also agree with what pinky said...grabbing food, finishing a bottle & licking lips is definately not a sign they should be weaned, its a natural milestone, their insides aren't ready until 6 months, it can cause all sorts of complications if done early.

Did you not think your LO had reflux? Sorry maybe i'm getting you mixed up with someone else....

My LO has reflux & he was the same, he was drinking 8oz every 2 hours, HV kept saying to give him more he's just a hungry boy ect. The paediatrician said this is a sign of reflux, they comfort drink to soothe the pain, but in return the reflux gets worse from too much milk.

xxxxxxxxx

 

[Lulabell]

Joshua ALWAYS has his hands in his mouth lol. I'm not going to wean him until 6 months. Any earlier is usually far too soon IMO. Joshua seems to watches when we eat too. But he will have to wait. My milk is satisfying him for now. Hope you find a solution soon Hun.x

 

[benjis mum]

My hv said the other day that the earliest you could start is 17 weeks but even then try to hold out as long as possible. She also said that the small amounts you give at the starring are unlikely to fill them, so upping milk is probably the best thing to try.

 

[Maria1977]

This article is quite interesting...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12180052

 

[Hunnie]

Tbh im starting to think these guidelines are a load of crap. They always seem to differ and change with the next fashion. For example when I was little my mum was told to put both me and my brother on our sides to sleep and now we are told to put them on their backs? Whats going to be next?

A lot of you won't agree with my choice but so far I'm happy with what I've done. Tonight she has had a teaspoon of runny baby rice and still took the same amount of milk that she usually has and once she got the hang of it she was really happy to accept the spoon. This is also the first feed all day that she has had and not sicked most of it up so surely that must count for something. I think you have to do what's best for your baby and I'm sure now that's what I've done.

 

[Jaxx01]

Good for you hun. Under the advice of my hv I started weaning Stanley at 19 weeks! He was draining 40oz of hungry formula a day and was just not satisfied!!!

I was weaned at 4 months as were my brother and sister and we have no 'problems' the government change guidelines all the time!! It's a nightmare

I'm know I'm prob gonna criticised for weaning early but I felt it was best x

 

[Jaxx01]

Oh and Stanley sleeps on his front!