Weaning

https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/weaning/ready-or-not-weaning-quiz/ You could take this quiz to see if you think they are ready? The first question is if they are 6mo, so maybe just lie for this one so you can see the other questions? 👍🏼

I have exactly the same issue, they say to wait for 6 months but my son (who is 5) was weaned at 5 months. It’s supposed to be to do with gut bacteria but to be honest I will probably wean at 5 months as she’s getting distressed sometimes watching us eat x

I have had to start weaning my little boy who is 3 months as formula just wasn’t satisfying him and was screaming all the time and he loves it

Showing an interest is completely normal and natural but not a sign of being ready, they have no idea if they are ready and weaning early can be harmful

The new guidance is 6 months due to the potential risks as they have more research on the effects of early weaning, babies being interested in food is completely normal and doesn’t mean you should start weaning. However, you are the parent so can make the decision you think is best for your child, I guess just do the research and see how you feel!

As others have said, a baby being interested doesn’t mean they are ready. My baby put a book in her mouth yesterday, it doesn’t mean she wanted or needed to eat it. The main sign of readiness to wean is a nutritional one which simply doesn’t exist until around 6 months of age. Early weaning before the digestive system has fully developed has also been proven to stretch a baby’s stomach early and lead to a number of proven health risks which can be life-long. Unless there’s a medical need, I would personally wait. You’re only 2 months away.

There are only certain things to give at the age of 4 months such as the items sold on the shelf that states 4 months plus. That’s all I give to my little one and wouldn’t do anything to harm him. I have done the research and done it the right way rather than just diving in giving him anything.

@Melissa even though they state 4 months doesn’t mean they are good. Most are actually bad because they mix sweet ingredients in so that babies will eat them. 4 months is the lowest they are allowed to advertise as so they do so to increase profits not because it is beneficial to the child

@Melissa a 3 month old does not have the head control to safely wean. If your baby is screaming all the time there is very likely something else going that is causing it. I would ask for a referral to a dietitian before weaning at that age

Thank you everyone. I'll wait till 6 months like I did with my eldest

No watching you and opening his mouth doesn't mean his body is ready. It means he's watching you, learning mad copying. Completely normal. Don't listen to people advising to lie on quizzes. There's a reason you're supposed to wait till 6 months unless there's a medical reason to start earlier

@Patricia I only said to lie to see the other questions, not to bypass the test

Showing an interest in food isn’t a sign….baby needs to be able to sit up and have a strong trunk to hold themselves up, and also not have the tongue reflex to push things away from their mouths