Docs Say Wean at 6 Months - Baby Food Says from 4?
Ask a Question
Ok.
I am really confused...
So why do doctors and midwifes say that babies shouldn't start solid food until at least 6 months.. But than in the shops you can buy food foe babies from at least 4 months.
What does everyone say about this?
When did you start your babies on solid food?
It’s hard and conflicting at times and the same midwives told me diff things for each of mine when babies. I would say if your baby is hungry and you think they’d need a little more start with v little and monitor the stools to be sure that it’s agreeing with their little stomach. 
lynneh i agree lynneh, i only gave my little one 1 spoonful to start with. Im 99% sure i was once told that a babies tummy is the size of babys fist...so tiny when you think!
lynneh my midwife keeps saying to me to breastfeed even though I don't have any milk at all.
AndreaAndzic your midwife should respect your decision and stance. As long as your baby is fed and happy that’s all that matters in respect of feeding be it breast or bottle. It’s your choice.
I started my little one on baby rice from 5 and a half months, due to the fact she has severe reflux and health visitor said something like baby rice (which is thicker than formula milk) may help with reflux...it didnt and we found out she has Cows Milk Protein Allergy too. I personally think 4 months is too young, their tummies are still tiny and they dont really need solids then as they get all their nutrients from the milk. Some health professionals will advise you to start a little bit earlier but usually tell you to hold off until around 6 month mark.
As to why the you get baby food from 4 months...im not totally sure.
Everything has changed so much over the years when mine was little weaning was 3 months it's so hard to keep track nowadays
Just stick to the rules hun and ask for advice if you think the baby needs more than just a bottle am sure they will help you AndreaAndzic
Bargain28 there ain’t no rules why listen to what it says on tin. My oldest has first cooked dinner at 10 weeks. A rusk in his bottle before bed. On the back of a can of beer says men 2 units do you listen to what that says no men and women don’t. AndreaAndzic if you think your baby needs more start with the powder foods to make texture to needs. Don’t even mention it and now they expect you not to blend foods but give it whole no thanks I don’t won’t to see my baby choke
Ann1984 omg. Best answer i have heard!!
I have family saying things left and right
I would ask my mum but unfortunately she died two weeks before my daughter was born
So now everyone is giving me their advice
My dad remembered that i was brought up on actual cow milk that was mixed with water as my mum lost her milk week after i was born.
Apparently i hated formula. I was throwing up after it
Same as my daughter is now.
I spoken to doctor today and his answer was that she needs to be on formula until 1 year as thats the way things are done and even though she is throwing up its better for her to do that for a year than me giving her cow milk or some food.
I mean how do mums that can't afford formula bring up their kids?
I am sure in Africa and other countries that are not as rich as we are. They start babies even earlier than 6 months with everything
Bargain28 who will help me? And who made these rules?
Thats what i would like to know
AndreaAndzic your doctor should have prescribed her medicated lactose free milk I had on youngest. Honestly everyone will tell you different no baby is the same. Sorry to hear about mum, go what you feel right you can only try. Most midwives don’t have kids themselves. Sure your baby around 4 months now go and grab a box of baby porridge you may have restful sleep too because she has full belly before bed
Ann1984 she does sleep but she crying and is not totally settled. So i am the one not getting enough sleep as i wake up as soon as she makes a sound.
Thanks for the advice. I am going to get some food for her today.
Bargain28 i had a doc telling me today no solid food until 1 year.
I haven't had anything more confusing than this
I was told 6 months. However my baby was waking too often for a feed (formula fed) so I started with baby porridge at 4 and half months. He slept much better when I started this. Do what you feel is right
sam30 thank you so much
I think i will be. I guess i was just worried to be judged and told off
But as my best friend said. Its my baby
AndreaAndzic people will always find an excuse to judge. But yes, just always remember, your baby, your rules, so you decide what’s best for you both 
Babies can't digest solids until around 6 months as their stomachs can't handle it. Our son started on solids a week before 6 months. Just started with a few spoonfuls of pea puree and some melty puffs once a day and then increased it when he was ready. If you think your baby is ready try them on solids and monitor their poo to make sure their stomach is handling it.
If she is on formula that is making her sick then she may need a special type of formula. My son was on a specially prescribed one, I would talk to the dr again about it as it is not better for her to be throwing up for a year as it will affect her weight gain.
If she has reflux don't go for baby rice. Because it is thicker it is harder to digest and will make reflux worse. Try baby porridge instead. Just don't put a rusk in their bottle, it's really dangerous
MrsCraig hey. Thank you so much for this. I did tell the doc yesterday but its like i didn't say anything.
I don't want her to have to deal with this all year
I will try again to speak to them and see what they say. I have tried all kind of formula and she doesn't settle at all at night and wakes up during the day after only 30 min of nap.
AndreaAndzic our son was like that. It was only when he was on a high calorie formula and solids that he started to settle at night. It was maybe only sleeping for 3 hours a time but he used to wake every half hour needing a feed.
When it comes to the dr you sometimes need to be really persistent. I dealt with a lot of different drs, specialists, dieticians etc and you just need to keep on at them. I guarantee if it was the drs child they wouldn't be letting them throw up for a year!
MrsCraig thank you so much
Yeah
You are right. If it was doc child they would do anything to help and find solution
Hi AndreaAndzic, this situation must be so confusing and worrying for you. I am sorry to hear about your Mum, you must really miss her.
There are no ’rules‘ when it comes to raising a baby, only fads, fashion and common sense!
Every baby is different, born different weights, different stages of development and with potentially different health issues, so it makes sense that each child will be ready to wean at different times.
You are the one who knows your baby best. Have confidence in yourself.
If you feel your baby needs solid food, just try him/her with a small amount initially to see if it suits them.
Don’t be intimidated by your midwife. Let her know how you feel, that you aren’t producing milk and you need support.
Hi gerrykelly25
Thank you so much for this message.
I really appreciate it
Yeah its hard and you are right i know my baby the best
Its not easy doubting myself when you have million people giving you million opinions but nobody tella you what you should do.. Only what you shouldn't do.
It depends on the baby but its better to wait until 6 months. Mine all started baby food at 6 months along side milk
Most would wait till 6 months but everyone is different my sister would do everything little thing the midwife says wake them up for a feed don't do this or that at the end of the day its your baby and im sure you will do what feels right for the both of you
Leannexxx thank you so much for the message and for the information.
My midwife did say wake her up during the night and feed her
I don't do that. She sleeps all night and if i wake her up she wants to play. So i don't
I need sleep to
I know it sounds selfish but i just think that waking up the baby is crazy
She shows when she is hungry and will wake up to eat
AndreaAndzic I was the same and ill do the same with my baby when she finally comes lol
Join for free to get genuine deals, money saving advice and help from our friendly community
Chief Bargain Hunter
