wheat?

[katemom]

Hi,

I read the FAQ section on foods to avoid to look up the answer to my questions about offering wheat.  I can't remember where I read about wheat warnings originally, but it said not to offer for 1 year.  My lo is 7.5 months, and eating finger foods very well, and I'd like to give her toast sticks, and other items that often contain wheat.  (I tried checking local stores for white bread that doesn't have wheat flour in it but I haven't been able to find any).  Anyway, the FAQ's on this site say to wait until 6 months, or talk to the dr. about it if wheat allergies are common in your family (which they aren't in ours).  So I wanted to see what you all have read and learned on the subject, and if you've given items with wheat to your lo's of similar ages...maybe the source I read was overly cautious.

katemom

[daybyday]

Hi...both my LO's received "wheat" products around the 7 month mark....we have no allergies in our family and I had introduced all the other grains with much success.

[Seona1973]

In the UK wheat/gluten is considered ok from 6 months as long as there is no family history of allergy.  DS has been having weetabix (wheat based breakfast biscuits), porridge, bread, toast, etc since then

[Freya'sMum]

In the name of research, I checked with my health visitor the other day the current recommendations for what to offer and when, she said...

...exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months, then you can offer anything other than honey and whole nuts, which have to be give after 12 months of age (honey has risk of botulism, nuts have a risk of choking)! Locally, they also advise against peanut butter until after 12 months, but this is not a national standard.

...all food are potential allergens, I am allergic to salad leaves (boo, no lettuce ), so if you stick to the recommendations to introduce one solid food at a time, early in the day, and with several days inbetween new foods, this gives you the best opportunity to watch for reactions, and if there is a family history, then proceed with more caution still!

HTH?

Ax

[Elvira]

In Spain they say at about 8 months. Earlier the reaction can be too strong, later it may mask and delay diagnosis of celiac sickness.  Too strong a reaction means a severe diahorrea, and at 6 months spaniards are busy introducing cereals, fruit and veggies+meat!  Since it takes a time to introduce all this waiting a few days, you reach the 8 months easily.

[linfran]

My hv (in Northen Ireland) said no wheat before 6mo in case it increased risk of coeliac disease.

DS was on solids early as he was a big guy and was drinking over 40oz milk per day.

[Elvira]

Yes, linfran, each baby is his own world and some need more calories sooner than others.  In Spain we do not say that it can increase risk of developing celiac disease, but that if baby has it his life might be at risk (they dehydrate very quickly before 8 months or so, and fairly quickly after that upto 2 years).  So they say try it a 8 months and if you observe a change on digestion pattern, go to the doctor immy.

The restriction has nothing to do with allergy, but with celiac disease.

[katemom]

Thanks for all of your comments, it was interesting to hear about differing guidelines depending on where you live.  I offered some toast and she loved it.  As of day 2, she seems to be doing okay with it.  Thanks again for sharing your thoughts!

katemom