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lavrat
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Posted: 18 June 2008 at 7:23pm \| IP Logged

Hey All,

I'm just wondering what everyone's opinions on early weaning is? I started weaning Millie a week ago (15 weeks) It wasn't a decision I took lightly as I know the earliest recommended is 17 weeks, however she had all the signs she was ready, plus she is actually slightly bigger than the weight of an average 4mth old. I'd tried switching her from the first milk to the hungry baby milk at thirteen weeks, in a hope that would fill her more, but it didn't seem to make much difference. My other DD is eight and at the time she was a baby the recommended weaning age was 4mths, no earlier than 3mths, however now it's of course 6mths, no earlier than 4mths. I find this really confusing, because surely babies 8 years ago were no different from babies nowadays, and whilst I understand that research over time reveals different things, it can't be THAT different.

I have discussed it with quite a few people and some folks (me included) have the attitude that you have to judge what's right by your own baby (within sensible reason of course) and others seem to feel really strongly that starting weaning them early is a bad thing. I was just wondering what everyone on here thinks and also when did you wean your babies xxxx

Vickimom
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Posted: 18 June 2008 at 7:32pm \| IP Logged

It is definitely up to the individual person, all the health officials can do is advise. When my mom had me and my sisters, they were advised when the child reaches 12lbs or 3 months, grdually they have been getting longer away, and some even recommend not til 6 months. I started most of mine at 12 weeks, Fred was earlier (he was extremely hungery and they were concerned about obesity as he went to the 98th centile! Winston no the other hand went til 45 months, but then he was a lazy feeder til he realised the different things that would go in his mouth! You can only gauge yourself as you are with your lo 24/7. Once Fred was on solids, he reduced his milk to an acceptable amount, and he's now just under the 50th centile and finicky with it.

mum2joshua
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Posted: 18 June 2008 at 7:47pm \| IP Logged

I think it definitely depends onthe individual child. Joshua was 11 weeks when I started to wean him, although I did have the support of my health visitor which made the transition easier. Joshua did not drink much milk, although he was not unwell or underweight he was very small (short as well as light).My HV was a bit concerned by the little milk he drank and suggested I try introducing some weaning rice. Joshua adored food, and by 13 weeks was eating 2 meals a day. When he was 4 months he was on 3 meals a day and getting his milk in breakfasts etc. It was pefect for him and what he needed, he thrived. It doesn't mean I'd wean my next child early, just depends on them. You know Millie better than everyone, and you know what she needs!

jecko
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Posted: 18 June 2008 at 10:01pm \| IP Logged

hi hun, i started weaning jessie at 16 weeks that was a month ago now and i aint looked back its worked brill for us shes quiet big for her age too and needed a bit more than just milk, my other daughter was also 16 weeks and i was reccomended that by my h/v!! this time even though the age has risen to 6 months i took my own instinct and just started like you say things surly cant change that much - at the moment jessie is only on baby porrige and cauliflower and brocoli bake the heinz packet ones,(she hated baby rice lol) im going to start pureeing some fruit and veg for her to try but i dont want to introduce too much in one go as i know sometimes it can put the baby off - goodluck with your weaning i love this stage xx jue xx

pinkreptile
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Posted: 02 August 2008 at 11:31am \| IP Logged

I totally agree that its each person to there own...no 2 babies are the same. I started weaning brandon earlier than recommended as he was also more than ready and milk was not enough for him and I can honestly say that Ill do the same for Zach as well If I feel he is ready x

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Topic: Early weaning