Started solids 2 weeks ago, so many questions

[eva026]

Hi there!

DD started herself on solids at about 5mo when she grabbed my banana and ate it so I figured she was ready.
We started off with just giving her stuff to taste and lick while we were eating.
She really enjoys it and we have started her on a few other things over the last 2 weeks given when we eat because she was getting really mad when we ate and she didn't get anything.
I've kind of been wondering if I'm doing it right because a few family members have been commenting and now I feel a bit confused.

We aren't doing jars, just stewed fruit and veg (apple, pear, banana, prunes, carrots, potato, avocado) but I'm not making a smooth purée, just mashing them up with a fork so they are still pretty lumpy. Is this ok or is she too little for this consistency?

Also, she has a love/hate relationship with a spoon. Sometimes she'll be fine with it, other times she clamps her mouth shut and tries to grab it and feed herself. That doesn't work well because she's too eager and rams it down her throat making herself puke. I've been giving her food in a mesh feeder but family members have said that this way she continues to suck and I'm not  teaching her how to chew and pass food to the back of her mouth. I'd be fine with dropping the spoon totally and using the feeder but now I don't know. I am considering BLW but I think we'll wait a bit with it because I'm a bit scared of her choking (she stuffs food down her throat the same way as the spoon).

I think she has also gotten a bit constipated (although not in any obvious pain) because it's been 8 days since her last poop - a record so far. I've read the FAQ about laxative foods and gave her stewed pruned and pears for her 3 meals today and we'll see how it goes.

As to portion sizes, I have been giving her about 1tblsp 3 times a day in addition to BFing. More family member comments here about how I should be giving her as much as she wants and at 6 mo the 3 meals should be replacing 3 BFs. She can go 3.5h between feeds but now that she's outgrowing the 45min naps our feeding has gone all wonky as the 3.5h is in the middle of a nap.
Right now we do:
7.30wu BF
8.30 1 tblsp solids
9.30 BF (otherwise she wont make it to the end of her nap)
9.45 S
11.45WU
12.30BF
1.30 solids 1tblsp
2.15 S
4.00WU BF
6.00 Solids 1tblsp
6.30 BF
6.45 CN (in theory but she's difficult to get down)
7.30 BF
8.00 BT
11.30pm DF
NF

So as you can see I haven't replaced any BFs at all, have even kept the CF in the evening since she still takes it. She's very little for her age (6.3kg) and I feed her as much as she'll take because she till fits in some 3mo clothes! That's also why I'm so hesitant to drop any BFs. I was under the impression that BM should be the main food source till 1yo but how to do that when LO gets 3 meals a day??

Sorry about the long post and tons of questions, I just don't really know what I'm doing:/

[Lemonthyme]

Opinions have changed in recent years and at 6 months nowadays the aim isn't to replace feeds so much but more to be alongside breastfeeding.  I wouldn't aim to really start to reduce feeds (during the day anyway) until nearer 8/9 months.

Just wanted to say, good on you.  You're following her cues, breastfeeding alongside (which recent thinking suggests might reduce allergy risk) and going for texture / finger foods.  6 months is fine to give mashed foods.

Breastfed babies can actually go for 2 weeks without pooing.  Unless she's in pain or it goes on for another week say, I wouldn't worry.

[becj86]

Solids at this age are about fun and tasting. They're not as high in calories as breastmilk, so you're best off keeping the milk consumption at the same level if you can (people post on NW's when their LO is waking hungry because they've been replacing milk with solids too early).

Re: BLW - check this thread out [http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=228864.0

I was under the impression that BM should be the main food source till 1yo but how to do that when LO gets 3 meals a day??

This is right. Basically you just offer meals about an hour after milk feeds. It changes as LO's A times extend, and naps drop, etc. but its possible and we're always happy to help you find a routine that fits your DD's needs as she grows.

My DS was a spoon-grabber too - just wanted to get the food in NOW! We went to a BLW approach and he did a lot better. There was some gagging when he put huge amounts of food in his mouth at once, but he learnt how much he could fit in there eventually

[nona]

what kind of spoon are your using? mine are scooped out, a bit harder to stick way in the back of the throat (so far)

i use 2 spoons and give one to DD and she basically sucks off the spoon herself and i'm loading up the next one & then we "trade". i'd rather her learn to feed herself anyway. my DS was the same way and loved having the spoon to hold/play/feed with.  the spoons i'm using are made by sassy & oxo brand (not sure if you have those)

i also let her just put her hand in the food and play and suck it off her fingers.

[eva026]

Will google the spoon Heather. We are just using a plastic spoon I found at home.

Breastfed babies can actually go for 2 weeks without pooing.  Unless she's in pain or it goes on for another week say, I wouldn't worry.

Ok I was under the impression that it was only while the were EBF, I though when solids started that changed.
The prune pear mix did the trick though:)

we'll continue what we are doing then. I think it's a mix of everything BLW, mesh feeder, spoons etc. Maybe when she's older I'll have the guts to do full on BLW

Thanks for your answers!:)

[eva026]

Sorry, just one more question I just remembered.
SIL said to do a gluten and diary test on DD ie to give a small amount of gluten and milk (not at the same time ofc) and see if she reacts to determine if she has an allergy.
I've honestly never heard of that, is she right?

[Lemonthyme]

Neither have I.  I'd just give gluten containing cereals in small quantities after 6 months.

[Buntybear]

Hi, Olly became a bit constipated when we started solids, I think it is due to their stomachs getting used to digesting the new foods. Things like rice and banana can bung them up too.

If there is a history of allergies in your family then you could trial the gluten and milk as your SIL suggested. Some people do it with all foods - we did!

[eva026]

If there is a history of allergies in your family then you could trial the gluten and milk as your SIL suggested. Some people do it with all foods - we did!

SILs daughter had/has bad allergies. She was on the ED the whole time she BF and now the kid is 6 and has pollen, animal, dust, chocolate etc allergies.
As fas as I know she's the only one on DH's side and on my side there has never been anyone. DD has also, thus far, not reacted to anything besides perfumed wipes for her bum.
I'm wondering about the dangers of introducing milk and gluten too early like the whole thing about it going through the stomach lining and the bodies antibodies attacking it etc causing an allergy - or is that only in the first 6mo?

[Buntybear]

Well for the sake of a few days then I would just go careful with the milk and gluten then. Use the 3 day rule.

I think you are referring to the Virgin Gut theory which is somthing I don't know much about. In my experience I believe Olly was born with his allergies. He reacted to tiny amounts of formula milk from the very first instance. From the age of 3 weeks to about 5.5 months he had nothing but breast milk and still has allergies to wheat and eggs. Just MHO.

[Lemonthyme]

Probably sensible to try it over 3 days and check for any reaction but I don't think the "open gut" theory is based upon any hard science I can tell and even they say it's fine after 6 months.  Some research has even suggested giving allergenic foods early is a good idea.  The jury is out but currently advice in the UK anyway is to keep allergenic foods till after 6 months but from then it's fine.

[eva026]

I introduce new things every 2-3 days anyway so it should be fine.
So you think I should do the gluten and milk test to see how she reacts or just wait till she's older (think it was 8mo for gluten and 1y for milk)?

[eva026]

We've just come back from our ped check up and I'm feeling a bit confused.
Our regular dr was out and this one was not at all happy with DD's weight gain and said to introduce more solids esp meat and carbs with gluten, so she picks up weight faster. Apparently she should have doubled her birth weight in the 4th mo not in the 6th......
Birth weight 3.200kg, She was 5.500kg (12.12lbs) at 3mo, 5.885kg (12.97lbs) at 4.5mo and now is 6.425kg (14.16) at 6mo.
Now I have in my head that BM has more calories but I can't help having doubts after hearing that from a professional:/

[Buntybear]

Sounds like she is gaining good amounts of weight to me! BM does have more calories but can be supplemented by good solid foods.

In terms of gluten and milk has she suffered any symptoms of food allergies yet? Ie reflux, eczema, rashes, vomiting etc? If not I would introduce them now.

[eva026]

I think she got a slight rash on one cheek 1 day after trying avocado but I kind of ignored it because it was just a few skin coloured dots.
I'm boiling some turkey breast with carrots, potatoes and green beans for her lunch and will maybe do oatmeal for breakfast in 2 days to get some carbs into her.