BLW?

Wow! I would definitely get a second opinion on all of this!

@Eleni would really love some!

For the first year babies need to have primarily milk/formula for their feeds. Any and all food is considered complimentary since it has no dietary purpose outside of allergy elimination and learning new tastes. I would get a new pediatrician if they suggested to replace nearly 50% of a babies food intake below one year with purées or other foods

Can I ask why start weaning so soon? In the UK it’s recommended that a baby starts at 6 months. Research and studies show that a baby’s gut isn’t developed enough to be trying food and can even induce intolerances and allergies 🙈 no hate, just curious if the advice is different in the US. Food under one is just for fun, milk is there main source of nutrients 🙃

I would not be replacing full formula at 4 months. That’s terrible advice. I mean by all means introduce some purées if you really want to but I’d wait to 6/7 months. Their stomachs just ain’t mature enough x

At 4 months they really aren't capable of BLW. You can add purees if you really want but I'd be getting a new ped as they're giving really bad and outdated advice. Even by our American standards 😳

@CourtneyIn the US it’s based on child’s development of readiness some babies are ready at 4 months, some at 6 months. Their gut can digest food fine. And it doesn’t increase allergy or food intolerance to start feeding solids at 4 months. And no food isn’t just for fun under one. Common nutrition misconceptions. @Lola you don’t need a second opinion but of course if you want one go for it. Follow your baby’s cues. If your baby expresses he’s satisfied after milk and purées than you’re feeding enough (and of course he continues to gain weight) food under one is just for fun is so dumb. He’s getting nutrients from all the food he consumes.

@Jamie thank you for your knowledge. May I ask how you went about it for your own baby?

@Chrissy kind of stressful when our own pediatrician recommends this and then other moms tell me it’s kinda opposite 😫 this is kinda crazy.

4 months the tongue thrust reflex hasn't gone. Blw would be dangerous. I don't believe in the food before 1 is just for fun but I definitely wouldn't wean until 6 months and all signs of readiness has been met. Until 1 main source of nutrition should be through breast milk or formula feeding however.

@Courtney idk 🤷🏽‍♀️. America is just like this. I’ve never hear that giving food early can induce intolerances though, that is now concerning. I thought the sooner they try things the sooner you’ll find out their allergies.

@Lola they can eat but to imply a child's milk be reduced at 4 months is just bad medical advice.

I’m a dietitian and although I don’t specialize in pediatric I still have some background knowledge. Highly recommend my colleagues book on BLW called Simple and Safe BLW by Malina Malkani. Yes milk is the primary source of nutrients but food will still provide calories and nutrients for your baby’s growth. I provided food first and then finished her meal with milk so she can end every meal full and satisfied. And what Courtney said is not accurate regarding allergies. It’s the opposite. Don’t be concerned. The earlier you exposure your child to common allergens lowers the risk of them developing allergies. The second edition of Malinda BLW book is also about allergen exposure but it’s not out yet. But you can preorder it

@Jamie at 4 months??? Even I'm American and know that that's not with the AAP recommends at all 😳

4 months seems SOOOO early! I have never ever heard of this. And the advice to replace formula with purées seems extreme as food before a year is exploratory, not a main source of nutrients. Curious as to the signs of readiness your pediatrician looked for in your baby to give this recommendation.

Food before a year is not only exploratory 🤦🏻‍♀️

“The timing for introducing solid foods will depend on the infant, but it is not recommended before the age of four months or after the age of six months. Each child's readiness for solid food depends on their own rate of development. Signs a baby may be ready to start solid foods include sitting up with minimal support, demonstrating good head control, bringing objects to the mouth or grasping at small objects. Check with your pediatrician before starting solid foods.” Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics full link to article - https://www.eatright.org/health/pregnancy/babys-first-foods/dos-and-donts-for-babys-first-foods

Usually starting solids has no impact on normal milk feedings, this does not sound like something most doctors would recommend. Purées are meant to be an on top of, milk has everything they need

Have also been told by my dietician and doctor etc that milk first an hour before solids. You can do after but you want to ensure baby still gets their nutrients from their milk incase they don't eat all their food to get a balanced diet etc

That's great to hear that your little one is cleared for purées! When transitioning from formula to solid foods, it's usually recommended to start with small amounts of purées, like 1-2 tablespoons per meal, and gradually increase as your baby shows interest. It's important to keep monitoring their overall intake and ensure they're still getting enough nutrition from breast milk or formula. Every baby is different, so just follow their cues! Good luck, and enjoy this new feeding adventure!

We are in the UK so weaned at 6 months as recommended by the NHS. If your paediatrician has recommended you begin purées now and that’s what you’re comfortable with, then I would offer your baby the same ratio of breastmilk:formula that you give now. Your baby will let you know if they are too full and will refuse either the purée or the formula. I would favour formula over purées at this age though (Mary’s^ advice is good - formula & breastmilk are nutritionally complete) and offer milk first to ensure your baby is well hydrated as well full. (In the UK we don’t recommend water before 6 months as baby should have formula or breastmilk instead. Not sure what is recommended over there, but obviously if you reduce formula intake you’re also going to be reducing fluids. Just something to bear in mind…)

@Jamie that article also says in the second paragraph “The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend exclusive breastfeeding, meaning the infant receives only breast milk, during the first six months of life for optimal nutrition and health benefits.”

@Anne yes! I can see how that wording can be confusing.

I have to agree with the above comments, 4 months is far too young to be completely taking milk out of babies diet. We saw a paediatric dietitian who only advised from 5 months as we had serious issues with acid reflux even then this was introducing puree. While I don’t believe ‘food is fun before one’ really, it’s completely true that they are exploring foods and they won’t get everything they need from just food at 4 months old. There are studies that prove introducing solids before 6 months can lead to digestive issues, not every baby of course but it can with some, this isn’t a matter of opinion this is completely factual. I met a lady on here and her little Boy had a serious stomach issues as she weaned her little before 6 months. Sometimes it has to medically be done but if there is no reason, it’s probably a good idea to wait. Ultimately it’s entirely up to you as this is your baby but I think it’s really important you know the facts as well, have a re-search xx