Is the time right to start weaning?

[Psychick]

My daughter is 15 weeks old today and, although I thought she would be closer to 6 months before needing weaning, Im now wondering whether to start sooner.

She has always been a little and often feeder. The guideline for her age is to be having 6-7oz feeds, 5 times in 24 hours. She actually has 4-5oz feeds (although these can vary greatly!) and 6, sometimes 7, feeds in 24 hours. I have tried making her wait for a feed if her last one was only about 2 hours before, but I refuse to let her work herself up in to a state crying. And as all you parents know, you cant make them take more than they want lol

So, my theory is that maybe she needs something a little more substantial now to keep her going a little longer than just milk does. I thought about introducing her to a little baby rice in the morning and in the evening in the hope of getting her into a better feeding routine.

I know the obvious person to ask is the health visitor, and I will next week when I see her, I was just wanting the opinions of the mums and dads out there who have been through the weaning stage.

Thanks in advance :)

[mumof3angels]

Hi Psychick- my daughter was exactly the same as your daughter. She used to down about 6 8oz bottles in 24 hours at 14/15 weeks old. I had about a week when she just couldn't get enough milk inside her and she was really fretful and cried loads. My health visitor advised me to give her baby rice at lunch to see if it made any difference and it did. She took it really well- it was only a small amount and I made it quite runny at first. She stopped crying and went back to being a contented baby. That was 11 years ago and the guideline for weaning was from 4 months onwards then. I know the guideline is at least 6mths now but I think that there is always an exception. My daughter has never had any allergies or intolerance to any foods through being weaned slightly earlier.
My 2 sons were totally different and were both about 6 months before they were interested in trying solids.
It's very hard knowing what to do for the best but just remember that you know your baby better than anyone and only you know what's best for them.
Hope this has helped.

[Psychick]

The thing is with her though, is that she isnt a big feeder. On average she has 4-5 oz but sometimes she will only have 2oz. On the other hand, sometimes she will want 6-7 oz, she has even had 8oz before. There seems to be no consistency in her feeding hence why Im hoping starting her on baby rice will help get her into a better routine.

My 7 yr old was also weaned at 4 months. I really dont know why they changed the age after so many years. I cant see how being weaned at 4 months can be connected to allergies etc. Im sure someone will put me right though lol

[andrea81]

Hi Psy

I weaned my boy at 4 months (as this was ok 4 years ago!) So I cant see any reason you shouldn't start now! My boy never really liked milk that much so was really glad to start him on food, I started with rice and rusks!

To be honest, I can see my little girl doing the same as yours, as she taked 1 / 2 oz every two hours, but then has about 3 oz now and again!

She does get to three hours if I occupy her, but she never takes any more anyway! I know she's younger (4 weeks!) but I she's so little, I just think her belly is little and she doesn't want a lot!

x x x

[coweyes30]

Hi
Every baby is different the health visitor will maybe tell you to wait because there guidelines are changing all the time!
My 1st who's now 11 was eating mash and gravy at 3 weeks old because i just couldn't fill her she was fine,
My 2nd was 6 mths and really a fussy eater she's 3 now and my 3rd who was 1 this month was on puree foods at 3 months and now refuses to let me or dad feed her and insists on feeding herself everything!
I say what you feel comfy with try, it won't harm.
Them powdered foods in boxes are a good 1 to start with because you can mix up small amounts where as the jars you tend to waste alot.
Hope this helps be ready with the bibs lol
Oh yeah and you'll be suprised how far those little yoghurts go doesn't look much in the pot but they spred for miles.

[Psychick]

Thanks for all your answers.

I did a bit of research and according to a few sources, shes showing all the signs of being ready. Signs like sucking on her fist (although I was putting that down to teething lol) and waking in the night for an extra feed. She was waking just once, about 4-5am, but now wakes about 1-2am then again at 4-5am. She is also taking an interest in our foods and drinks. Its amusing watching her eye up a cup of tea or a bar of chocolate in the same way she eyes her bottle of milk.

For the past two days, we have given her a small amount of baby rice after her tea time bottle and she seems ok with it so far. Shes pulled a few faces, as they all do to start, but she isnt spitting it out and seems to managing well. Also it seems to be agreeing with her in that she isnt be sick or getting tummy problems.

I just hope Ive done the right thing by her and no doubt I will get my wrist slapped by the health visitor when I tell her next week but oh well lol

Thanks again :)

[Ice.Maiden]

It's difficult isn't it? Our eldest child stayed solely on milk until he was about 18 months old!! He just wouldn't accept food, and only drank 2 ozs. at a time!! You should see him now - tall for his age, and as fit as they come!! x