Hi

I haven't posted on here before (pleased to see betty is cl though!!), but I'm just after some advice.  I was really trying to wait until DS is 26 weeks before weaning and he is currently 20 weeks.  The main reason is that I wanted to wait until it was ok to drop a bf and replace it with a meal instead.  I just couldn't face bf, followed by some food as DD is at nursery in the afternoons and if I was doing this poor DS would spend is whole life sleeping, being pushed up and down to nursery and back or feeding, with no real time for playing.

He will go 2.5 - 3hrs between bf during the day and he isn't wanting to feed more frequently, but he does show other signs like sitting up well, and taking a massive interest when we are eating and has often tried to grab an apple out of my hand.  Anyway, last night DH let him take the flipping apple! I was not happy!  And do you think he was allowed it back?  Of course not! DS went BALLISTIC if DH tried to take it away and spent ages sucking and licking this apple.  My question is, does this mean he is really ready and if I am insisting on waiting until 6 months I am somehow denying him something he is developmentally ready and eager for?  My inclination is to hold out unless he starts wanting to bf more frequently but I will see the HV on Wednesday and ask her.

Any thoughts are welcome.

Jo
x

Hi

I would say that that was your first experience of baby led weaning... There's a whole folder on it lower down on the board. Why not be guided by your son but ensure that you stick to fruit/veg for now and soft fruit probably being a bit safer ;)

Liz

PS I can't remember much about weaning now DD is nearly 3, but we started at 21wks.

hi jo - fancy seeing you here lol

i'd be inclined to offer bits of food to try, BLW is all about them doing it and geeting the hang of it rather than actually having a meal - to start with anyway. steamed veg sticks are really good - hollys first finger food was some brocoli...she loved it lol

i didn't do BLW to start with but we gradually moved over as we ate together as a family holly wanted to join in - thats as good a sign as any imo.

xx

Thanks for all the advice, ladies.

I'll try and hold out for a little bit longer (although having said that today he's really kicked off when I've put him down for each nap and normally he's out like a light so I'm wondering if he's wanting to feed more) but I'm certainly going to read up on BLW as it sounds like it might suit him.  With DD I spent hours steaming and pureeing fruit and veg as I never really considered another method so it will be interesting to try.

Thanks again.

Jo
xx