At what age will nursing no longer suffice as baby's main nutrition?

[sleeping beauty]

My 7.5 month old started on solids at 5.5 m.  The beginning seemed normal, fairly good to me.  I have a toddler, so I compare how they ate at the same age.  From the start, my firstborn was a good eater.  But, my younger child started teething much earlier, at 4 m (vs. at 8 m, like her older sister), and the set that came through at 6 m gave her serious pain for 3 straight wks.  She lost almost all interest in solids, then.  Her gums were terribly aggravated. Only days after her last tooth came through, she started a bout of Roseola and continued her loss of appetite.  To date, it's been something like 5 wks. of resistance to solids, to the point where she will gag from crying with the first mouthful of puree she tries.  Also, thing is:  She still opens her mouth for solids--which tells me she's hungry--but upon her first attempt to swallow, she will cry or scream.  Then, of course, her breathing gets all messed up and she will gag on the mouthful that is somewhat going down her throat.  I think, more than anything, she's intimidated with the discomfort she's associated with solids up till now.   

Anyway, from reading the posts of other concerned moms of 7-8 month olds who either refuse or take very little solids, I'm assured that as long as the baby keeps taking the breast or bottle, it's nutritionally ok.  My question is:  When will the refusal of solids become a nutritional problem, then?  My toddler, at the same age, was already starting finger foods and loving it. 

At this point, I think I might have to back off solids completely for a few days or more 'cause my baby is growing an aversion to "meal time".  I really don't want any negativism to set in.  But, if my baby con'ts to refuse solids even after my experimentation with returning to exclusive breast-feeding, at what age does that become dangerous to her health?

Thanks in advance!

[Peek-a-boo]

Up to age 1, breast milk is all they need--so you have plenty of time.   

Have you considered trying baby led weaning?  http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=92560.0

[sleeping beauty]

Thanks for such a quick reply, Bethany.  Do you mind if I ask where you got that info?  I'd like to read up more on it.

Also, yes, I'm tring Baby-Led Weaning, but it seems that while my baby likes to chew and nibble, she won't swallow.  Same problem.

[Peek-a-boo]

My doctor told me that.  I believe I've read it elsewhere as well, but can't tell you where for sure.  Here's a link to some information about solids from the kellymom website, which is a very reputable breastfeeding website.  It doesn't exactly answer your question, but does make it clear that a very gradual introduction of solids is okay: http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids/delay-solids.html

  At 7.5 months, I would, personally, offer safe finger foods while the family is eating and have ZERO concern about what she does with it.  If she mashes it around on her tray, no big deal; if she puts it in her mouth and then spits it out, no big deal.  Just think of it as part of her "A" time right now and about experimentation rather than thinking of it as part of her "E."    I'd make a point to offer different textures, etc, as some LO's have texture issues.  

For me, personally, if she's still not swallowing anything by 9 months, I'd discuss it with my doctor, but I'd give myself permission not to worry at all until then, knowing that even if there is some sort of bigger issue (which I seriously doubt), you still have three months to work on addressing it before the 12 month mark.  

[sleeping beauty]

Again, thanks, Bethany!  Very helpful, reassuring reply. 

Yes, I plan to continue finger foods with my baby, if nothing else, then as part of A time, for her entertainment.  Right now, as said, though she chews and nibbles, the food tends to slip through the corners of her mouth without any swallowing, though I do find that she sometimes digests pieces of bread.  Also, if she's on my lap, and watches me chew a particular type of food (eg. green beans), she's more interested to at least play with a piece of it in her own hands. 

Now that she's through with her last bout of painful teething and physically draining Roseola, I'm also going to work on dropping her overnight feed(s).  This way, hopefully she will be hungrier during the day.  Earlier on, she'd already STTN for 10+ hours, but the last month and a bit has really caused a topsy-turvy effect on her sleeping/eating.  Because she was in pain, she refused to take solids, and would wake up in the night, more than usual, I think, from hunger.  I didn't want to ruin the work put into sleep training her, but as the weeks of her physical misery and solid refusal increased, I became sympathetic and seriously concerned.  Anyway, I think the storm is over, and we have to get back on track...gently.  My husband even said that he noticed a slight weight drop in the baby.  I think so, too. 

Also, before the 5 long wks. of agony, my baby HAD swallowed some of the finger foods I'd given her to play with, like sweet potatoes.  I guess, sometimes, due to unexpected situations, we have to move a few steps back before proceeding forward again. 

Anymore words of wisdom in this regard from all would be appreciated!  And, again, thanks, Bethany!