Recommendations changing again? Starting solids between 4-6months?

[LibranTwin]

I went along to a Food for thought seminar today at my local maternal child health centre. I went along convinced that the MCHN would strongly suggest that all bubs do not commence solids until they are at least 6 months of age.

I was very surprised to hear that this view appears to be changing again. The MCHN said that due to recent research she would recommend us to look out for the signs that our babies are ready for solids and to begin not before 4 months and not after 6 months.

This is on recommendation from ascia - Australasian society of clinical immunology and allergy inc.

Link: http://www.allergy.org.au/content/view/350/287/

Some of their main points:

More research is needed to determine the optimal time to start complementary solid foods. Based on the currently available evidence, many experts across Europe, Australia and North America recommend introducing complementary solid foods from around 4-6 months.

There is little evidence that delaying the introduction of complementary solid foods beyond 6 months reduces the risk of allergy.

There have been some suggestions that delaying introduction of foods may actually increase (rather than decrease) allergy, however at this stage this is not proven.

I would love to hear peoples ideas and thoughts on this subject :yes:

[Little Gorilla]

Did they go into what the main "signs" are that a child is ready to have solids?

I believe my almost 5 month old is. She gets excited when she sees a meal in front of any family member, she thinks its for her - she watches each mouth full we have from plate to mouth and does like a chewing action with her mouth. I have given her a teething husk because she is getting her 2 bottom teeth and she goes crazy with it. I will admit I did give her a bit of steamed carrot to suck on (I held it) and she went wild (and I mean wild)...when I took it away she chucked an absolute hissy fit!

I did a little test with an organic cereal this morning - about 1 teaspoon full...and she went crazy - hardly any came out of her mouth and when I got up she cried so I had to "pretend" to feed her with the spoon so she thought she was getting more!!!

[LibranTwin]

Signs your bub may be ready...

-very interested in your food
-grabbing at your food or utensils
-good neck control, getting close to sitting
-getting hungrier during the day or irritable

I think there are more but I can't think of them at the moment.

She sounds ready to me... but I'm not a professional so don't take my advice!!

[mim1]

That advice to start from 4 months is what my paed told us last year when ds was that age. In the end I wasn't ready to give up exclusive breastfeeding that early and we didn't officially start til after 6 months, but he did have a little bit here and there before 6 months.

[Sheer Bliss]

The main danger I see with changng the reccomendations is that ATM, lots of people start bubs around the 4-5months mark, as they are 'close enough' to the 6month mark. These babies may well and truly be ready for solids at 4-5months. But does this mean that if it's changed to 4 months, poeple will look at their 2-3month old and start offering solids then?

Generally MOST parents are inclined to follow their babies cues, but others won't, and it's those that think a 2month old should be eating that concern me.

Overall, it's probably better to have a window, as all bubs are different and hvae dfferent needds.

Our chiro said the babies bodies are more ready to digest food when their bodies are strong enough to hold themselves up, so it's not so much age, but the development of each baby. Our CHN also said about a year ago they were thinking of revising the age.

[thth]

This is a very interesting thread. I am in the dilema as to what to do with my nearly 4 month- 15 1/2 weeks, I was told by CHN to start her at 12 weeks, bottle's just do not satisfy her. she has all the signs
- cries when any of us eat and she cant have it
- grabs at our food
- wanting her bottle's 2 hourly through the day
- she has very good head support and doesnt need to be supported at all

I did try her on a small teaspoon of rice cereal at 12 weeks, she ate the whole lot and then cried when there was no more, I opted not to offer her anymore due to her age, but have since just started her up again, she now has her bottle in the am, rice cereal about an hour after, then goes back down for a great sleep, where as normally she wouldnt go to sleep and would grizzle till she could have her next bottle. I am getting all diff opinions from CHN's, the Pead at the hospital didnt have a problem with it after we spoke about why? she seemed to think that Jade is more then ready for it and should be offered some... hhhmmm so what to do, continue or stop :confused: I just dont know but Jade wants it, and is eating it, and it isnt upsetting her tummy at all.... She is so much more settled through the day now..

[naiwen]

Edwards paed told me that as well, you can try solids any time you think they are ready between 4 - 6 months. That does not mean everyone should be feeding their 4month olds steak!

Also I would say that formula fed babies will probably benefit more from earlier introduction as they are not exposed to a range of foods through their mums BM and as we know formula does not have as many nutrients.

DS was on EBM at 4m corrected and I started him on a little rice cereal, he wasnt really interested lol.

[ElizaDoLittle]

The main danger I see with changng the reccomendations is that ATM, lots of people start bubs around the 4-5months mark, as they are 'close enough' to the 6month mark. These babies may well and truly be ready for solids at 4-5months. But does this mean that if it's changed to 4 months, poeple will look at their 2-3month old and start offering solids then?
:iagree:

My Paediatrician told us the same thing, I'm a little tired so bear with me but along the lines of the way babies immune sysyems are made up before the age of 6 months make them more acceptable to new foods. Miss Mill has allergies to egg, dairy and soy (she is BFed so it means a strict diet for me) but even so he said to introduce cereals and fruits and veges completely avoiding what she is currently allergic to to avoid her immune sysytem going on "high alert". I have started her (almost 5 months) but she is realy not a fan, in fact cries if I give her apple or pears :confused:. Interesting isnt it?

[MoonstoneMumma]

I have always said to friends and clients that you will know when you baby is ready - not a chn or a book. i knew my ds was ready at 4 months to start solids but the chn started yelling at me. i tried him anyway and he was well and truly ready.

"There have been some suggestions that delaying introduction of foods may actually increase (rather than decrease) allergy, however at this stage this is not proven."

this has always been my thought. i ate peanuts and everything during pregnancy as i thought if he is exposed to it now the better. he also had peanut butter about 10 months.

[ellie13]

i so agree, when they are ready u will know. dd1 was so ready and she was just about 4 months....but dd2....she is over 4 months and no signs whatsoever. both girls were bf so no difference there...every child is different....he/she will tell you when it's time. trust yourself and your child

[Deserama]

Why Delay Solids?


Reasons for delaying solids (http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids/delay-solids.html#reasons)
Additional information (http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids/delay-solids.html#links)
References (http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids/delay-solids.html#References)
Health experts and breastfeeding experts agree that it's best to wait until your baby is around six months old before offering solid foods. There has been a large amount of research on this in the recent past, and most health organizations have updated their recommendations to agree with current research. Unfortunately, many health care providers are not up to date in what they're telling parents, and many, many books are not up to date.
The following organizations recommend that all babies be exclusively breastfed (no cereal, juice or any other foods) for the first 6 months of life (not the first 4-6 months):

World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/nut/inf.htm)
UNICEF (http://www.unicef.org/nutrition/index_breastfeeding.html)
US Department of Health & Human Services (http://www.4woman.gov/Breastfeeding/bf.cfm?page=233)
American Academy of Pediatrics (http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;100/6/1035)
American Academy of Family Physicians (http://www.aafp.org/x6633.xml)
American Dietetic Association (http://www.eatright.org/Public/GovernmentAffairs/92_8236.cfm)
Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/dietsyn.htm)
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (http://www.racgp.org.au/document.asp?id=907)
Health Canada (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hpfb-dgpsa/onpp-bppn/exclusive_breastfeeding_duration_e.html)
Most babies will become developmentally and physiologically ready to eat solids by 6-9 months of age. For some babies, delaying solids longer than six months can be a good thing; for example, some doctors may recommend delaying solids for 12 months if there is a family history of allergies.
Reasons for delaying solids
Although some of the reasons listed here assume that your baby is breastfed or fed breastmilk only, experts recommend that solids be delayed for formula fed babies also.

Delaying solids gives baby greater protection from illness.
Although babies continue to receive many immunities from breastmilk for as long as they nurse, the greatest immunity occurs while a baby is exclusively breastfed. Breastmilk contains 50+ known immune factors (http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/milk/immunefactors.html), and probably many more that are still unknown. One study has shown that babies who were exclusively breastfed for 4+ months had 40% fewer ear infections than breastfed babies whose diets were supplemented with other foods. The probability of respiratory illness occurring at any time during childhood is significantly reduced if the child is fed exclusively breast milk for at least 15 weeks and no solid foods are introduced during this time. (Wilson, 1998 (http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/316/7124/21)) Many other studies have also linked the degree of exclusivity of breastfeeding to enhanced health benefits (see Immune factors in human milk (http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/milk/immunefactors.html) and Risks of Artificial Feeding (http://www.kellymom.com/newman/risks_of_formula_08-02.html)).
Delaying solids gives baby's digestive system time to mature.
If solids are started before a baby's system is ready to handle them, they are poorly digested and may cause unpleasant reactions (digestive upset, gas, constipation, etc.). Protein digestion is incomplete in infancy. Gastric acid and pepsin are secreted at birth and increase toward adult values over the following 3 to 4 months. The pancreatic enzyme amylase does not reach adequate levels for digestion of starches until around 6 months, and carbohydrate enzymes such as maltase, isomaltase, and sucrase do not reach adult levels until around 7 months. Young infants also have low levels of lipase and bile salts, so fat digestion does not reach adult levels until 6-9 months.

Delaying solids decreases the risk of food allergies.
It is well documented that prolonged exclusive breastfeeding results in a lower incidence of food allergies (see Allergy References (http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/ebf-refs.html#Allergies) and Risks of Artificial Feeding (http://www.kellymom.com/newman/risks_of_formula_08-02.html)). From birth until somewhere between four and six months of age, babies possess what is often referred to as an "open gut." http://www.kellymom.com/images/charts/opengut.gifThis means that the spaces between the cells of the small intestines will readily allow intact macromolecules, including whole proteins and pathogens, to pass directly into the bloodstream.This is great for your breastfed baby as it allows beneficial antibodies in breastmilk to pass more directly into baby's bloodstream, but it also means that large proteins from other foods (which may predispose baby to allergies) and disease-causing pathogens can pass right through, too. During baby's first 4-6 months, while the gut is still "open," antibodies (sIgA) from breastmilk coat baby's digestive tract and provide passive immunity, reducing the likelihood of illness and allergic reactions before gut closure occurs. Baby starts producing these antibodies on his own at around 6 months, and gut closure should have occurred by this time also. See How Breast Milk Protects Newborns (http://www.kellymom.com/newman/how_breastmilk_protects_newborns.html) and The Case for the Virgin Gut (http://breastfeed.com/resources/articles/virgingut.htm) for more on this subject.

Delaying solids helps to protect baby from iron-deficiency anemia.
The introduction of iron supplements and iron-fortified foods, particularly during the first six months, reduces the efficiency of baby's iron absorption. Healthy, full-term infants who are breastfed exclusively for periods of 6-9 months have been shown to maintain normal hemoglobin values and normal iron stores. In one study (Pisacane, 1995), the researchers concluded that babies who were exclusively breastfed for 7 months (and were not give iron supplements or iron-fortified cereals) had significantly higher hemoglobin levels at one year than breastfed babies who received solid foods earlier than seven months. The researchers found no cases of anemia within the first year in babies breastfed exclusively for seven months and concluded that breastfeeding exclusively for seven months reduces the risk of anemia. See Is Iron-Supplementation Necessary? (http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/vitamins/iron.html) for more information.
Delaying solids helps to protect baby from future obesity.
The early introduction of solids is associated with increased body fat and weight in childhood. (for example, see Wilson 1998 (http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/316/7124/21), von Kries 1999 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=10406746&query_hl=3), Kalies 2005 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15737952&query_hl=3))
Delaying solids helps mom to maintain her milk supply.
Studies have shown that for a young baby solids replace milk in a baby's diet - they do not add to baby's total intake. The more solids that baby eats, the less milk he takes from mom, and less milk taken from mom means less milk production. Babies who eat lots of solids or who start solids early tend to wean prematurely.
Delaying solids helps to space babies.
Breastfeeding is most effective in preventing pregnancy (http://www.kellymom.com/bf/normal/fertility.html) when your baby is exclusively breastfed and all of his nutritional and sucking needs are satisfied at the breast.
Delaying solids makes starting solids easier.
Babies who start solids later can feed themselves and are not as likely to have allergic reactions to foods.
http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids/delay-solids.html

[LibranTwin]

Yep it is an interesting discussion :yes:

Personally I started my bub at 5 months, developmentally she is more 6 months or older. She was definitely ready and took it from day dot and loved it. She also has very good head and neck control and can sit unsupported for short periods.

I agree with most of what you have posted Deserama!! But I also think that you can't deny a younger bub solids if they are showing all the signs that they are ready for solids.

One 6 month old is completely different from another 6 month old developmentally and I don't think you should follow your calendar to decide when they are ready. I feel that if they can pick up food and put it in there mouth and eat it then they are developmentally ready to eat it and with the magic of mother nature and science there gut would also be ready.

Saying that I'm sure there are also 6 month olds that aren't yet ready for solids and think that the baby should always guide your decision!!

Another interesting point the MCHN discussed was that recent research also suggests if you don't identify the right period to introduce solids that babies may not take to it as well later down the track and may lose interest.

[QTB]

it depends on the baby!

i listen to recommendations, but then do my own thing.

my DS1 had to start solids at 10wks, as he was loosing weight drastically, no one could tell me why, he would vomit both breast and formula (all of it) it turned out he had a milk protein allergy and we stopped solids at 12 weeks then started properly at 4months.

yet DS2 has had no interest in solids until the last week, and hes 7mths old and 11kg.

so all babies are so different.

[Deserama]

It depends on if those signs are signs that they are ready for solids or are they part of normal development.

-very interested in your food - They are interested in anything you have...they're normal development is to put things to their mouths and mouth it....toys...food...dog poop....it's part of normal exploration.

-grabbing at your food or utensils - they will grab at anything you may have...if you are holding a toy ...they'll grab at it and put it to their mouths...if you are holding a piece of dog poo...they'll grab at it and put it to their mouths. It's normal development from 3 mths on.

-good neck control, getting close to sitting - development

-getting hungrier during the day or irritable - needs to be breastfed more or the formula changed.

One shouldn't confuse normal development with them wanting to eat. A lot of these things are normal behaviour of a baby and is no indication that they are ready.

In my opinon...if they're gut isn't even ready till 6 - 9 mths then they're not ready! Simple as that! Why put food in a gut that is underdeveloped??

[Silvana]

This is a very interesting thread. I am in the dilema as to what to do with my nearly 4 month- 15 1/2 weeks, I was told by CHN to start her at 12 weeks, bottle's just do not satisfy her. she has all the signs
- cries when any of us eat and she cant have it
- grabs at our food
- wanting her bottle's 2 hourly through the day
- she has very good head support and doesnt need to be supported at all

I did try her on a small teaspoon of rice cereal at 12 weeks, she ate the whole lot and then cried when there was no more, I opted not to offer her anymore due to her age, but have since just started her up again, she now has her bottle in the am, rice cereal about an hour after, then goes back down for a great sleep, where as normally she wouldnt go to sleep and would grizzle till she could have her next bottle. I am getting all diff opinions from CHN's, the Pead at the hospital didnt have a problem with it after we spoke about why? she seemed to think that Jade is more then ready for it and should be offered some... hhhmmm so what to do, continue or stop :confused: I just dont know but Jade wants it, and is eating it, and it isnt upsetting her tummy at all.... She is so much more settled through the day now..

DD 1 was like that from day one. I ended up giving her some farex from 3 months. I know this makes me a bad mother, but she was starving all the time. She seemed to much happier after I gave her 2-3 teaspoons per day.

DD 2 is 4.5 months and in the last few days I have started her on the 4-6 month farex. She has had no problems swallowing and continues to eat as long as I put a spoon in her mouth. She also finishes off her bottles and I haven't taken any away from her.

They are only recommendations anyway, and I know that when we were babies, solids were fed at a much younger age. Same when our parents were babies. But it is only in the current time that allergies have increased (may have something to do with the amount of anti-bacterial products on the market).

[SimplyMum]

I am definately all for non-book convention. When DS a baby, CHN and other parents all reccomended 4-6 months so I started DS at about 5months (I figured, smack in the middle). DS was no where near ready or interested until about 12months. I shouldn't have persevered with it- so much stress. I used to mash his dinner into his milk so he was getting that nourishment- but I should've just let nature takes it's course. He wasn't ready so I shouldn't have forced the issue.

[Deserama]

They are only recommendations anyway, and I know that when we were babies, solids were fed at a much younger age. Same when our parents were babies. But it is only in the current time that allergies have increased (may have something to do with the amount of anti-bacterial products on the market).

Obesity...diabetes...colon cancer...stomach cancer, bowel cancer/problems etc etc...ring any bells?? You don't think that the the rise in these medical issues may have something to do with how our parents...grandparents..etc etc were introduced to solids way too early???

I wonder how much damage is done to their digestive tracts and organs...and stomachs for having had food introduced when they were still developing?

Yes they may only seem to be 'recommendations' to you but they are continually reseaching the effects of early instroduction of solids and how they may have an affect in later years. It's not just about allergies.

Personally I don't like to take these things lightly myself. But maybe that's just me???

[zenifa]

These are guidelines or recommendations - BUT in my view its up to the mother to decide when her child is ready and I'm personally all for baby led weaning.

My DD1 was ready at 5mths and I started offering solids to her very very slowly so she didn't really have much til she was 6mths anyhow.

With DD2, my MCHN kept trying to pressure me to start at 4mths, given the new 'research' and she gave me the journal article, but I remained unconvinced. My DD2 was in the 90th percentile for height and weight, no reflux, no allergies, fully breastfed and thriving. Why would I be in a hurry to introduce solids? I did BLW and DD2 started solids at 7mths with no problems at all!!

I agree, why put stress upon a baby's developing and immature gut - there is plenty of time for them to get used to solids and my girls continued to favour breastmilk to all types of solids til they were 12mths! (Yes they did eat solids but would always choose the booby juice over anything offered!!).

[LibranTwin]

Just another thought then....

Way back when there were no doctor, nurse, research etc. giving recommendations when do you think parents decided to start solids? Probably when the child showed interest and could put food in there mouths.

And way way way back - cave man time it would have been the same.

I know this doesn't prove that there guts are ready but it would definitely be a sign that they could be or why would mother nature allow a baby to put food in there mouth and eat it when they are not ready??

[LibranTwin]

Well I am enjoying this thread, a good debate helps you see all sides of the story and learn more!!


Deserama I was looking through one of your posts again trying to find some research on infant gut development, would really like to read some more, but some of the reference links aren't working. Do you happen to know where I could fine more info or scientific articles?!
I will also continue looking. I work in scientific research so you can throw at me anything you like :)

[naiwen]

Desderama my sons paed did not tell us 4-6 months because he was reading out of date info, the reccomendations will be changing because they are finding that delayed introdution of solids for babies who do not have a history of allergies in the family does not reduce allergies and may actually be a factor.

Delayed solids was the reccomendation but many health care providers have recognised that 6m+ is not best for all babies.

I really think there should be separate reccomendations, one lot for FF babies and one lot for BF babies.

Their nutritional needs are quite different and BLW is not advisable for FF babies IMO.

[Deserama]

Well I am enjoying this thread, a good debate helps you see all sides of the story and learn more!!


Deserama I was looking through one of your posts again trying to find some research on infant gut development, would really like to read some more, but some of the reference links aren't working. Do you happen to know where I could fine more info or scientific articles?!
I will also continue looking. I work in scientific research so you can throw at me anything you like :)


Did you look at the link??

http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids/delay-solids.html

Seems to be a lot of references on that page...and the few I clicked on did seem to work...so...

It's interesting when you look into infant development too. The gagging reflex is still there at 3 and 4 mths...which I found interesting.

But what I was amazed more by was their gut and intestines not yet being mature enough to digest all proteins and carbohydrates. I didn't know that till I researched it. Made sense to me though.

The recommendations used to be 4 mths when I had my first...then they changed it so I looked into why they changed it. A lot of the health proffessionals are not up to date with the whys and the wherefores...so it's interesting.

As Naiwen said...maybe the recommendations should be different between FF and BF babies though. I dont' really know...since I can't imagine why a FF baby's gut would somehow be more mature than a BF baby's gut. How?

Unless they figure that since they've already introduced somethign 'foreign' to the gut in the form of formula then why wait? But I say...it should be MORE of a reason to wait since their gut would have to adjust to formula as it is...without adding even more foreign stuff.

But what do I know? I'm just a mum :o

[naiwen]

Because BF babies will benefit less from the nutrients and exposure to flavours etc that babies get from solids as they are already getting so much from the BM.

It's the same thing with iron, the form of iron that is added to formula is not absorbed as well by babies as the iron in BM, therefore BF babies may be just fine with BLW at 8 months with no supplements but FF babies are going to be running the risk of becoming nutritionally deficient in iron/protien/calcium etc.

It worried me that BLW is becoming so fashionable in parenting circles when IMO it is only really suitable for BF babies.
]
Of course some FF babies may not be ready for solids until 6m and thats fine but if they are ready and keen they should not be deprived at 5m because a book/website/random person says so.

[LibranTwin]

Yeah I had a look at that link but couldn't really find anything on the difference between a 4 month gut and a 6 month and maturation. What I really would love is research articles with results and evidence but I can't seem to find any - may be I am looking in the wrong place.

It was mostly the WHO PDF links that I couldn't open.

[Deserama]

Because BF babies will benefit less from the nutrients and exposure to flavours etc that babies get from solids as they are already getting so much from the BM.

It's the same thing with iron, the form of iron that is added to formula is not absorbed as well by babies as the iron in BM, therefore BF babies may be just fine with BLW at 8 months with no supplements but FF babies are going to be running the risk of becoming nutritionally deficient in iron/protien/calcium etc.

It worried me that BLW is becoming so fashionable in parenting circles when IMO it is only really suitable for BF babies.
]
Of course some FF babies may not be ready for solids until 6m and thats fine but if they are ready and keen they should not be deprived at 5m because a book/website/random person says so.

Then why don't they say that in the recommendations? Separate the two?

[Deserama]

Yeah I had a look at that link but couldn't really find anything on the difference between a 4 month gut and a 6 month and maturation. What I really would love is research articles with results and evidence but I can't seem to find any - may be I am looking in the wrong place.

It was mostly the WHO PDF links that I couldn't open.

Oooh I wonder why? Are they not opening at all? or just taking a long time to load? That's strange!

[evesmum]

Deserama, I agree totally with your reponses. It is sooooo nice to see that I am not the only one that takes this so subject seriously.

I hope more people will research more thoroughly their descisions for the sake of thier childrens future health.

[zenifa]

I know there is no right time for all babies to start solids.
Neither of my babies have ever had formula so I can't comment on that.

BLW in my opinion is not fashionable but a common sense approach to starting a baby on solids.
No Research, a paed nor a MCHN can tell me when my child is ready for food other than breastmilk, only give guidelines based on research and their clinical experience.

For me, looking for cues from my baby will help me decide when to give and when not to give food - so its less stressful for us both, she gets to try different flavours and enjoy the experience of learning to eat, without compromising her nutritional needs and developmental requirements.

Each parent needs to look at all the evidence, research and information and make up their own mind.

Thanks to those for keeping the thread an interesting discussion.

[LibranTwin]

Evesmum I don't think it is fair to say that people who make a different decision to you are not taking this subject as seriously.

I research everything I do with my child extensively and believe what I am doing is the right thing for her.

With the lack of recent research in the matter and the need for more I wouldn't be surprised if the recommendations change again in the next few years and I also believe that they will.

Please just state your opinion and don't judge others :)

I totally agree with you second statement!!

[LibranTwin]

I would still love to see some research that proves that a 4 month olds gut is not as developed as a 6 month old. I reckon that with everything eg. teeth it varies slightly with all babies. I have only seen this stated on websites but haven't found the proper facts... can anyone help me out with a link?

[ElizaDoLittle]

Evesmum I don't think it is fair to say that people who make a different decision to you are not taking this subject as seriously.

I research everything I do with my child extensively and believe what I am doing is the right thing for her.

With the lack of recent research in the matter and the need for more I wouldn't be surprised if the recommendations change again in the next few years and I also believe that they will.

Please just state your opinion and don't judge others :)

I totally agree with you second statement!!:iagree:

[kkaz]

Saying that I'm sure there are also 6 month olds that aren't yet ready for solids and think that the baby should always guide your decision!!

Another interesting point the MCHN discussed was that recent research also suggests if you don't identify the right period to introduce solids that babies may not take to it as well later down the track and may lose interest.


Desderama my sons paed did not tell us 4-6 months because he was reading out of date info, the reccomendations will be changing because they are finding that delayed introdution of solids for babies who do not have a history of allergies in the family does not reduce allergies and may actually be a factor.

Delayed solids was the reccomendation but many health care providers have recognised that 6m+ is not best for all babies.



:iagree:

This is new research. Sorry, I do not have any "internet" links to it.

We can only wait and see what the recommendations will be in a year's time.

I would tend to be guided by the baby.:yes:

[Jamaica]

Im confused :o :laughing:

It seems everytime I turn around it changes lol, when DD was born (shes 5) it was 4mths then my when my neice was born (shes 2) it was 6months!

I think starting them at 4months is fine as long as they are intrested and-or arent getting full enough from milk alone. I think DD took a couple of months before she was really getting much out of it anyway though.

As for allergies DD has none but neither do I and I was put on solids at 3months (naughty mum :rolleyes:).

[kkaz]

The Australiasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) has just changed its recommendations regarding introduction of solids from 6 months to "when a child is developmentally ready, from four to six months of age".

This is based on evidence that delaying solids does not reduce allergies. They believe that delaying solids may actually increase allergies, although this is not proven.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition have also adopted similar positions to ASCIA.

The NHMRC (National Health and Medical research Council), who at present have guidelines in line with WHO (> 6 months) are reviewing the evidence, with new guidleines expected in 2010. The belief is that the WHO's advice arose out of concern about the risk of GI infections in babies in developing countries, and that is not such an issue in Australia.

[Deserama]

I don't think that it has much to do with allergies anyway. I think that if they did research on the elderly...the ones who were introduced to solids at an early age PLUS cows milk they would find some startling facts...I think they've already seen some links with obesity, diabetes and bowel cancers. If the gut isn't mature enough to handle the proteins and carbohydrates, which is certainly insinuated in some of the studies...then what would happen if such things were instroduced before maturity? Scaring of some sort? Scaring which can create abnormal cancerous cells??

Why aren't they researching this more?? I worry about this! I look at my grandparents and all the issues they have and wonder....I just wonder how different their health could be had their parents waited and introduced solids to them when their gut was mature enough to handle it. We all know cows milk isn't handled well because the high amount of protein and lactose etc....but what about other things that may not be so bad but can still cause issues in a developing gut?

[Silvana]

I don't think that it has much to do with allergies anyway. I think that if they did research on the elderly...the ones who were introduced to solids at an early age PLUS cows milk they would find some startling facts...I think they've already seen some links with obesity, diabetes and bowel cancers. If the gut isn't mature enough to handle the proteins and carbohydrates, which is certainly insinuated in some of the studies...then what would happen if such things were instroduced before maturity? Scaring of some sort? Scaring which can create abnormal cancerous cells??

Why aren't they researching this more?? I worry about this! I look at my grandparents and all the issues they have and wonder....I just wonder how different their health could be had their parents waited and introduced solids to them when their gut was mature enough to handle it. We all know cows milk isn't handled well because the high amount of protein and lactose etc....but what about other things that may not be so bad but can still cause issues in a developing gut?

I see what you mean. My grandparents went through world war II in Italy, where food was scarce, particularly as they were teenagers at the time. This could also be a great indicator to the health of the elderly. Also we are living longer, so it stands to reason that things do break down. My grandfather is 82 and has had a few strokes, with a history of bowel cancer. We know bowel cancer CAN be caused by lack of fibre in the diet early in life.

Things like obesity and diabetes I believe, are due to current lifestyle factors. If you eat too much and exercise too little, then it is likely you will be obese, not because you were fed solids 2 months earlier than you should have been.

[SophOlivia]

Obesity...diabetes...colon cancer...stomach cancer, bowel cancer/problems etc etc...ring any bells?? You don't think that the the rise in these medical issues may have something to do with how our parents...grandparents..etc etc were introduced to solids way too early???

I wonder how much damage is done to their digestive tracts and organs...and stomachs for having had food introduced when they were still developing?

Yes they may only seem to be 'recommendations' to you but they are continually reseaching the effects of early instroduction of solids and how they may have an affect in later years. It's not just about allergies.

Personally I don't like to take these things lightly myself. But maybe that's just me???

My feeling is that perhaps back then it was more to do with the types of foods being introduced..? Sugar in bottles, honey on dummies, etc.

I guess we all have to be reasonable about it and introduce solid at the right point, for the right reasons. As a mother I knew when my DD#1 was ready and at that time the recommendation was 4 months - and that was only five years ago, not in the dark ages. I introduced the right foods, slowly and she is, and always has been a fantastic eater with a great appetite for good food. I intend to feed DD#2 somewhere between 4 - 6 months, if she's ready for it.

:)

[GeorgiaAnne]

One shouldn't confuse normal development with them wanting to eat. A lot of these things are normal behaviour of a baby and is no indication that they are ready.



I agree - it's like saying they're ready for solids because they can roll over. Those developmental milestones are reached not bc they are ready for solids.

[Deserama]

Things like obesity and diabetes I believe, are due to current lifestyle factors. If you eat too much and exercise too little, then it is likely you will be obese, not because you were fed solids 2 months earlier than you should have been.

Actually no...obesity has been linked to too many 'fats' being introduced before 6 mths of age...which forms more fat cells than what the body needs.


My feeling is that perhaps back then it was more to do with the types of foods being introduced..? Sugar in bottles, honey on dummies, etc.


Well we can't be sure can we...unless they do more research on it all. There are sugars in fruits and things that can be introduced too early...so...who knows. I think it's worth researching more the impact on foods being intoduced before the gut is mature enough to handle the digestion of proteins and carbohydrates.

[Deserama]

I agree - it's like saying they're ready for solids because they can roll over. Those developmental milestones are reached not bc they are ready for solids.

Yeh well...what can you do other than do what you think it's best for your kids.

[Freya]

Well personally for me I think 6 months is too young.

None of my future children will be starting solids between 4-6 months, hell no, no way, not happening, not in a million light years. Their tummies are far too precious.

[Deserama]

Well personally for me I think 6 months is too young.

None of my future children will be starting solids between 4-6 months, hell no, no way, not happening, not in a million light years. Their tummies are far too precious.

Yeh I'm beginning to think that 6mths is too young too. But I do try them with different tastes at that age though...if they still have the gag reflex then i wait a bit and try again later...but generally I don't start full on solids till about 10 mthsish when I'm starting to wean anyway.

That's just me though.....12 mths is the general consensus though...as far as I'm aware :)

[GeorgiaAnne]

Yeh well...what can you do other than do what you think it's best for your kids.

For sure but there's not much info about BLW from chns and some dieticians. I wish I had of known more first time.

[sahm]

I started my DS on solids at 5.5 months. Looking back, I don't think he really needed it, but he took to it quite well.

I'll take it as it comes for the next one.

I was started on solids at 8 weeks, and I have no health problems or food allergies.

I think individual mothers know what their baby's need and when they're ready for it.

[Refresh]

I think individual mothers know what their baby's need and when they're ready for it.

:iagree::iagree: It isn't rocket science :D

[AM]

Well personally for me I think 6 months is too young.

None of my future children will be starting solids between 4-6 months, hell no, no way, not happening, not in a million light years. Their tummies are far too precious.


:iagree: You are saving me a bit of typing today Freya ;):thumbsup:

[Deserama]

I was started on solids at 8 weeks, and I have no health problems or food allergies.

Yet ;)

[sandy_1902]

i started my ds at about 4 months.. probably a week or so before. he has no problems with food.
he is healthy

he wasnt getting enough with just boob.. he wanted more so i gave it to him

best thing i did imo

[neostudded]

Well personally for me I think 6 months is too young.

None of my future children will be starting solids between 4-6 months, hell no, no way, not happening, not in a million light years. Their tummies are far too precious.

:iagree: Me to, personally, I am going to wait longer for my next baby. I don't want a debate. But I have many reason's. One thing I will mention is babies guts are at their healthiest when exclusively breastfed, they receive the most protection from disease to.

[Verdi]

Well it's not rocket science you usually figure it out when each child is ready to have solids i do not need a book or expert to tell me. Common sense is always a good thing to have- a child will tell you when it's ready - i am a mum to 4 boys and they all started at different stages - -
No.1 4 months
No.2 6 months
No.3 7 months
No.4 8-9 months

I read their cues and just new when they were ready- sometimes we forget to use our instincts and rely on so called experts:rolleyes:

Another thing to note is that the past generations were fed alot earlier than what we do now - they started at 2 months and i would say they were the healthier generation;)