Weaning

Messes with their digestive system - I would avoid until 6mths. It’s ridiculous how the industry is unregulated and they can market like this. There is not rush. BF or formula is best all the nutrients they need

We started giving our baby purees at 4 months because he was showing us he was interested and could sit up supported in a high chair without issues. We started with a spoonful or two every few days just so he could experience the texture and start to explore taste. Purees/solids aren't necessary for nutrition until 6 months but we were advised to start introducing them at 4 months by his doctor because he was telling us he was ready. We did go see the doctor for their advice before we made any decisions though

I started at 5 months because like the above comment my child was able to sit in a high chair and support his own head. He absolutely loved it. You know your own child so if you think he is ready as long as your baby is 4 months or above otherwise their digestive system isn't ready

Without good head and trunk control you are risking choking even with purees. The pouches say 4 months because legally that is the earliest they are allowed. It is purely financial and if they could then they would put birth on it 😂 It is strongly evidenced now that the reason so many adults have IBS and other gastrointestinal issues is because of early weaning (for a long time 4 months was the norm). Some babies, due to medical issues will need to be weaned early but generally around 6 months is best for their gut health now and in the future.

So the earliest they're legally allowed to advertise food is from 4 months. The large majority of baby do not need food before 4 months (some babies food helps with acid reflux and other stomach issues). But most children do not need solids until 6 months or older. The history of baby food is quiet interesting. Before like 1920 most babies where weaned at 11months. Then some scientists made baby food and people thought because it was made by science it was better and people started weaning as early as 3 week old babies. The average became 3 months soon after though. No research done for this though. We have now done research and discovered that the 3 signs of readiness are the best way to know when you're child is ready as every baby will each this at different times.

I started around 4.5/5 months just giving baby tastes here and there. The old advice was 4 months but as people do they’d try before 4 months which was a no no so they upped it to 6 months to avoid people starting too soon! My little girl was showing interest in food and could hold her neck and head perfectly and was able to sit in a supportive chair on her own without slumping forward - therefore I was comfortable to start her on purées. I only made it a daily routine once she was 6 months and she took to it like a dream because I already introduced her to eating - absolutely go for it if you feel like little one is ready and able to support their head/neck and sit supported, the first likely reaction is they’re going to push it out their mouth anyway 😂 xx

To add, I actually read a study that suggested that the gastro issues were found more commonly with babies who were actually formula fed than breast fed, so I don’t think there’s enough evidence behind gastro and weaning earlier otherwise GPs and HVs wouldn’t recommend it earlier for babies who suffer with bad reflux x

If baby is automatically pushing the food out (tongue thrust reflex) then that is a sign they aren’t ready.