Weaning frustration

Also while I'm on the rant! I don't understand how breastfeeding is promoted as best for baby and everything they need, then suddenly its not at six months?

Hiya I think in regards to breast milk , by month 6, babies immune system is much stronger so the push for breast milk is not as important, but I’m still be asked if I’m still breast feeding so I dunno 🤷‍♀️

He’s probably not ready for food yet. Just stop for a couple weeks & then try again

Are you feeding your baby milk first before weaning ? Are you blw or spoon feeding or both ?

@Jas ah that makes sense, it's just funny how much its pushed initially and now it's swinging the other way 😵‍💫

He has milk 30mins to an hour before. We've tried blw and spoon feeding, mostly the latter as the mess was unreal and where he'd be crying and fussing it was a nightmare to clean up afterwards

My 6mo is the same, we've only been trying for a week tho, but he wont eat anything and then cries. Im not gonna obsses about it, gonna keep trying everyday until he is ready, I think at this age is more playing and discovering what food is, textures, colors,... Than actual eating

@Jasmine ooh I agree with my name sake lol

In my area BFing is encouraged until you reduce milk feeds at 1 year, but actually they really support it until 2 years (which I think is the WHO recommendation). Definitely don't hear any official advice from Health Visitors or medical people to stop at 6 months here.

My firstborn was like this and he’s not changed still a terrible eater. But every baby is different some babies are just not ready and will gain interest in time x

To answer the breastfeeding part babies iron reserves from you have depleted by 6 months which is why food is needed in addition to breast milk. Breast milk (or formula whichever you chose) is still your babies main source of nutrition until a year. Food is to get used to eating, get some iron and provide a sensory experience for baby. Food is also needed to expose baby to allergens as early exposure is shown to reduce allergies in later life. Breastfeeding has so many nutritional and emotional benefits for your baby until 2 years and beyond x

PS still breastfeeding here and no rush to stop from my point of view. Xx

My eldest was the same at first but wanted to play with food and feed himself in his own time. Just make sure you are offering food when he isn’t tired or frustrated and be led by him. My current baby had to be fed early due to weight loss from dietary allergen restrictions. He ate purée amazingly and is now refusing to be fed and spraying anything back out. He had been exploring food throughout and has now decided he only wants to feed himself. He doesn’t always eat what is offered but has milk available (and his weight is now following a line). Mess wise- I use a bibado bib so clean up is much easier. Food sometimes leaks around the neckline so I pop a fabric bib on underneath to save his clothes. Then I use a wet Muslin to clean him up. Don’t get swept up in the boasting. Every baby is different and it will be far more enjoyable for you to just do your own thing and go with the flow.

Breastfeeding wise, it is still very important until they are at least one. The push for feeding is replenish babies iron stores, get baby used to textures and learning to chew before their gag reflex moves to the back of their mouth and exposing baby to a variety of flavours to minimise fussy eating later on. Breastfeeding will aid in continued allergen exposure through your milk and antibody production to cold etc. you will also produce what is needed for your baby. Milk is still the major food source for baby.

I was coming here to write a response, but @Yasmin has hit the nail on the head with everything she's said.

Just come to say, I found the first 3 weeks of weaning very frustrating! She barely ate anything I made. I'm pretty sure one day she just got it, I don't think it was anything I did but here's some bits that helped me- - Until they are about 9 months babies don't equate solid food with fixing a hungry feeling, only milk, so make sure they have had milk before eating - Use pouches! Endlessly making food they don't eat is pretty soul destroying. Also the fruit ones she loves, I know they say use veggies first but she was more interested in the fruit ones - Melty sticks - Eatplaysay is a great Instagram account, she talks alot about highchairs and what they should look like to give the best support. Our first highchair was terrible and she ate much better in the ikea cheap one! - Have him sit in his highchair whilst you eat, even if he's not eating, get him used to seeing you eating. Give him a teething toy or something to chew - Try not to stress. He will eat eventually!

I did batches of fruit and veg and blend them into different levels of chunkiness. I then used a formula scooper to put 2 scoops into an ice tray. Some are one ingredient, some are combos. Now I just have bags of food ice cubes so whenever I have the time or baby is in a good mood, I can put one in the microwave and baby can try it. It took a bit of effort in the beginning but now it takes a minute to prepare and if baby doesn’t eat much (which is most of the time) it’s not a big deal.