What did you wean with?

As I've mentioned before my son is 3 mnths old and I was thinking about starting semisolids after he completes 4 mnths and I need some input from you all. What did you start weaning with and how did you proceed? Any practical tips? (I hope I'm not repeating what has been discussed earlier - I did look at the older threads and found nothing in the recent past.). I just thought this would be a good discussion subject.

Vanathi.

hi adhusmom,
i think its best to exclusively breastfeed for 6 months before you start semi solids....thats what doctors advised me here.due to preassure from relatives from india.....i finally started around 4 1/2-5 months....but my baby's doc keapt insisting on breast milk so i just used to give him little bit for the sake of it...but strted off solids seriously only by 6 months.here i started with gerber rice cerial but there must be something similar in india which you can start....i had posted similar query when my baby was 4 1/2 months,you can read the replys which will give you an idea.all the best!
Starting Solids for a 4 1/2 month old baby: Suggestions please

Thanks Vidhu. I looked up the thread and yes it was very useful. I know the American recomendation is to wait until 6 mnths, but our Indian advice is usually 4 to 6 mnths. My baby is a big guy - 7 kgs already - and that is why I plan to start early. Also I dont like commercial baby food and intend to make my own. How old is your baby now - around 1 year? Started walking? Thanks again.

Vanathi

hi vanathi,
sorry for the delay in replying.i saw ur post just now as i dont get much time to browse thru all the sections everyday.yes my son in 1yr and oh yes!he is walking or i shud say Running!!!!he keeps me on my toes from the time he wakes up till he goes to bed again!!yes you can start with wholesome ragi kanji or sathu maavu or something like that....yes its always better to avoid commercial foods if possible...enjoy ur parenthood!!!u'v got lots of exciting times ahead!!keep me posted when possible!!
vidhya.

Hi Vanathi,

My son is now 2.5 yrs old and was solely n breast milk until 6 months. I delivered in India and I was told to start semi-solid from 4th month but I returned to Germany when he completed 3 months so stuck to this school of thought. From 7th month I started giving him ground oats cooked in milk (they didn't recommend giving cow's milk as a drink until he was 1 yr old so had to introduce thro' food), cooked and mashed fruits and veges. Once they start having semi-solid foods they naturally drink less milk and then weaning was not at all difficult. I know elders back home insist that they be given cow's milk or formula from 3 months (so the baby is pushty... personally it's all rubbish). if you have enough milk there's nothing wrong in breast-feeding your baby as long as you wish. My boy was on breast milk until 13 months and as my milk quantity reduced he himself switched over. My mil didn't talk to me for many months coz I refused to give him cow's milk (just before I left India) and was shocked that he was still feeding from me when we went home for his 1st birthday. But I ignored:) So basically it's upto you to decide....