MummyatHome

Hi All

My 6 mth old has just started solids. I love it when they go to solids - the facial expressions are a hoot!

Anyway, I was talking to a friend today about it and we have realised that here in Australia people are VERY opinionated on the subject! Basically, you *should* start at 6 mths (as per WHO guidelines), on an iron fortified cereal (such as farex) and then a new food every three days or so, and only in the morning so that you can identify a reaction. Then dont even get me started on no cows milk till 12 mths, no honey or eggs until 12 mths, no peanuts until around 3 or 4ish - all in the name of allergic reactions!

While I can see that all of this makes sense, and is great info for new mothers, and yes, it is important to watch out for reactions etc I am not quite so strict with my boys! (But then I am lucky and have had no reactions etc. Obviously I do NOT advise this course to other new mothers, this is just what works for me. Please follow medical/MACH nurse advise and not base your actions on my opinion!) For example, my 6 mth old is now eating what ever we eat, just whizzed/pureed in the mixer while the meal for the two yr old cools. But then again, we eat very healthy meals, always with at least three veg and no fried foods. We also rarely eat processed foods (I make from scratch) as my two year old reacts to preservatives (makes him hyper and affects his concentration and moods, not an allergic reaction) Other mums I know are FANATICAL about the food their child eats, and again, I can understand this as they are doing the bast for their child.

So, my question is this (this mainly being an American-user site from what I can see): Are you guys given the same guidelines? Do you Child and Maternal Health nurses (or similar) advise based on WHO guidelines or are there supported studies that are relied on for new-mother information?

I have often wondered the same about pregnancy/breastfeeding information...i.e. we are told to eat too many curries/spicy foods when preg. or breast feeding as it can go through to the baby....but what about in India etc. where this is their staple meal? Are they told the same thing???? Also, Australia is very pro-breastfeeding and the facilities here for feeding mums are great - mothers rooms with microwave, tv, comfy lounges, change tables etc - but in the UK, for example, it is really difficult to find a place to feed. Also you are stared at when you do!! Here, people whip their boobs out all over the place (especially when caatching up wth other mums for a coffee at a cafe!) and no-one bats an eyelid! (which is great!!) Over here, companies are not even allowed to adveritise formula for children under 12 mths (only toddler formula) and ALL formula cans say that Breast is Best (which i agree with, but each to their own and a lot of people cant and I dont judge you if you do bottle feed. I did after I experienced problems with my supply!)

Sorry for the ramble. Thanks if you got this far.

**This post is in no way meant to offend. It is purely a question regarding what people are told in other countires as a friend and I were wondering!!**

Kaytee

I think it can be very different based on the doctor that you go to.
as far as breastfeeding vs formula, in America Breast feeding is on avaerage only ok with a child under 6months old then formula becomes very pushy. Of course this is not all cases, but this is what I saw. I have been given many negative comments on breastfeeding my 22 month old still but... the WHO says 2 years minimum right? Formula is very mainstream it is everywhere. All happy babies and well dressed mommies, breast feeding is usually with a mom in a nightgown!

Now for Food:
Most docs are starting to go to the 6 months thing but some still say 4 months. We personally started at 5 months. Nichole was ready and took her first bite of advocado and swallowed it. Never spit food out. We did not give cereal till she was older and I started making oatmeal for her.
All the others are pretty constant here, peanuts is usually said after 1 or 2 as long as no allergies are in the family. Of course there is always other advise.

Hope I got it all! lol

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jenilouise

Most of what they told you was the same thing I heard except when my older girls were little they said start solids at 4 months and I still waited until 6 months. As for breast feeding in public if you are completely covered you still get nasty comments.

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