Started solid too early?

[janarae18]

I guess I sort of need to vent . I thought my lo was ready for solids (he was reaching out for them) but then again he reached for everything... Anyhow my mother n law has a gluten allergy and I came across the study that says starting wheat before six months helps reduce that so I started him on a mixed cereal . He does like it but now I just feel really bad because I didn't know about all the other studies that say its best to wait until 6 months to reduce infection.... For example on wholesome baby food it states"The health benefits of breastfeeding for babies and mothers have long been recognized and it is now globally recommended that it be continued exclusively for six months. Although there are few controlled trials to support this recommendation, the most important advantage is less morbidity [death] from gastrointestinal infection in developing countries. There is also evidence that respiratory tract infections and atopic dermatitis is reduced, and the maternal risk of breast cancer decreases, particularly with a longer duration of breastfeeding and a high parity. "  And I did look over the studies to back this up.... Did I do the wrong thing????? My lo was 5 months and one week when we started him...

[Marissamom]

who knows? there are some babies whose guts are ready for solids a bit before 6 months, some babies are not ready until a little later. there may be some issues because of starting solids early, or there could be no affect. 

[janarae18]

how would I know if there were issues?

[Marissamom]

constipation, gassiness, extra fussing... also possible issues down the line of increased risk of allergies and digestive disease, but it's impossible to tell if  those are as a result of early solids. though 5 months one week isn't too terribly early. 

[Heba]

*Hugs* it's hard, isn't it?  I started my little one on solids at 4 months , cos I'd never been told any different.  Plus I only breastfed her for 11 months...had never heard the 2 years + recommendation, or child-led weaning...I was totally clueless.  We do what we think is best with the information we have at the time.

[teraze]

Is your LO acting ok?  Like PP says, it's a little early but not horribly early.  Give yourself a break - it sounds like you're doing your best and that's all you can do!