Does he NEED solids? (8.5 months)

[AFWife]

DS has been nursing CONSTANTLY for the past several days. I don't pump much anymore so I don't know if my supply is dwindling or not. But, I can hear/see him swallowing through most of the nursing so he must be getting something...

I'm afraid to ask anywhere else because my MIL has been pushing solids since he was 8 weeks (less so now that we've started playing with them)

Is my baby getting enough food? I'm changing plenty of diapers and he's in really good spirits and VERY active (we just got crawling down to an art)

[HappyHelpmate]

At 8.5 mo's it couldn't hurt anything to start introducing solids on a regular basis. I think in one of Dr. Sears' books (or perhaps it was the motherly art of breastfeeding) they mention that nursing around the clock that continues for more than 1-2 weeks could indicate it's time to start some supplemental solids. But of course, your milk supply could increase enough as a result of his extra nursing to the point he would still not need it, but if it's been over 2 weeks, I'd start some solids. Of course, there are other reasons, like sickness or allergies or security/attachment needs, that could lead to the extra nursing, but since you say he's in such good spirits, those probably aren't the case.

I've got an 8.5 mo girl and she's been eating solids (just a little) for several months now, and has done great. But she really initiated it. She would just STARE when someone around her was eating, and by about 5 mo's, she understood what was happening and her big brown eyes just begged, "Pleeeaase feed me!" I wasn't really ready to start her. I'd have rather waited until over 6 mo's at least, but I do believe in following the child's lead in those cases (as long as it's not harmful). We started slowly and just a tiny bit at a time of one mashed veg the family was eating at the meal, and now in the last few weeks she's been doing great with table food just ground in a baby food mill (KidCo is a good brand if you're interested in one).

[Drummer's Wife]

I agree with introducing food now. I wouldn't say the average 8 mo needs solid foods if they are nursing as often as they desire, and there aren't supply issues - but that if you take it slowly, and remember food at this point is about experimentation, textures, tastes, learning to self-feed, etc., and not so much for nutrition purposes (or to replace breastmilk) it won't hurt to offer food for him to try. He'll let you know if he's not ready. We had the best luck with small chunks of vegetables and fruits at that age, put on a plate (or tray or table) and let them feed themselves. Even if he doesn't have pincer-grasp mastered yet, he will grab w/his palm and work his way up to using his fingers.

[AFWife]

I've held off because he hasn't really CARED at this point. He was all about solids around 7 months because it was new and fun...but he doesn't care anymore. We're doing baby led weaning (he won't let anyone feed him )

I guess I'll wait it out and see if it continues much longer...the past few days have just been rough

[cristeen]

No, he doesn't NEED solids at 8 1/2 mos. At that age they're about exploration. Keep offering though. So long as he's in a good mood, and is having plenty of wet diapers, he's likely getting enough BM.

[claras_mom]

Is he teething? Dd2's nine months tomorrow and has been nursing like crazy lately (though she also enjoys self-feeding and will happily pick at bits of meat and vegetables at mealtime). Two teeth on top have broken through, just in the past week.

[nukuspot]

We have an 8.5 month old and she recently has lost interest in solids too. She loved them at first, now she just plays with her food (well, except pears, she's actually a little obsessed with pears). But we keep offering a variety anyway, even if most if not all never sees her mouth. I think she actually INGESTS between a speck to a tablespoon of solids a day. Total. So does she need it? No. She'd be just fine with BM. However, I offer it at least once a day because perhaps one day she will want to eat!

[_betsy_]

Totally normal to be nursing 147 million times a day at 8.5 months, even if he's getting lots of solids. Lots of developmental stuff going on, a growth spurt coming up, teething and the dreaded 9-month sleep regression. Hang in there!

[AFWife]

Originally Posted by _betsy_

Totally normal to be nursing 147 million times a day at 8.5 months, even if he's getting lots of solids. Lots of developmental stuff going on, a growth spurt coming up, teething and the dreaded 9-month sleep regression. Hang in there!

I didn't even think about teeth...He still doesn't have any so it's possible they're on the way.
Sleep regression? Oh dear

[onyxravnos]

it's probably a growth spurt or he is nursing more because he needs more and since BFing is the law of supply and demand...

Originally Posted by AFWife

Is my baby getting enough food? I'm changing plenty of diapers and he's in really good spirits and VERY active (we just got crawling down to an art)

This kinda seems to show he is getting plenty from nursing.
It's doubtful he NEEDS more solids babies can easily be EBF for a year but if he seems interested you could start a bit of solids at 8 months solids are NOT his main diet but don't hurt to introduce....