[crabbyowl]

My baby is 7 weeks and 3 days, and for the past week or so DH wants to let her taste different things he's eating/drinking/cooking with occasionally. This really annoys me and I'd rather he didn't do it, but he says it "won't hurt anything" because he's not actually feeding her things, he just puts a little on the tip of his finger and lets her lick at it. She usually does so 3-4 times before stopping, and essentially all of it is left on his finger. This hasn't caused any issues with her so far, and I agree that it probably won't since she really only does get a tiny amount, but I don't like it just on principle.

Am I overreacting?

 

[MovingMomma]

This practise could trigger a food allergy or compromise her virgin gut.

 

[newmommy7-08]

Honestly, I would freak! Their bellies aren't meant to have anything other than BM or formula in it at this point. If there happens to be an allergic reaction you aren't going to know what caused it since he is giving her tastes of things he is cooking (makes me think that there are more than a few ingredients involved)

Mama's please correct me if I'm wrong... but I would insist he stop NOW!

 

[katiesk]

I wouldn't like it either. My baby is almost 8 months and is just starting to 'taste' things. While it might not 'hurt' anything for her to taste whatever, it is not beneficial, either. Does your dp get why it's better to not let her have anything so early? My dp wanted to start letting our baby try things sooner than I would have - and while I told him that it it was really important to wait until at least 6 months, I also figured that he could do what he wanted to as long as it wasn't something crazy. If he started giving her like, soda or something, I think I would freak out. But he wouldn't do that...

 

[amynbebes]

My dh has tried this a few times with our 4 month old and gets a very not happy response from me. I don't think it's good for them, even a taste. My grandma tried to give him a taste of some pie when he was around to months and I nearly flew over the table to stop her.

 

[accountclosed2]

Anything she tastes could hurt her as her guts aren't ready to deal with it. And also, does he let her taste things like stock or sauces? They contain a lot of salt (even babies over six months shouldn't have things like stocks because of the salt), and even a small amount of salt can damage her kidneys. Babies have died of it, with parents not even aware their babies had any sodium, as there is often high levels of sodium in adult cereals, and also in a lot of vegetables.

 

[YesandNo]

I wouldn't. It's not good for the baby - potential food allergy issues. I'd ask him to stop. Trust me, she will be big enough to enjoy that kind of attention from daddy very soon.

 

[Aquafina]

7 weeks is way to young.I would be mad!!!!!

 

[Ruthie's momma]

You are correct!!! Do not let DH give the baby anything except breastmilk or infant formula. He is risking her health by offering anything else.

 

[Pyrodjm]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MovingMomma This practise could trigger a food allergy or compromise her virgin gut.

: Tell him that it CAN hurt and make him stop.

 

[holothuroidea]

Wow. Contrary to all the reactions here, I think it's fine. My DH on the other hand freaks out about it.

My mom had a lemon, and she got some lemon juice on her finger and put it on DD's lips to taste (3 months), she loved it! DH FREAKED OUT, and watched her like a hawk for a "reaction" for days. There was none (obviously).

I mean, if someone shoved a lollipop or sugar or something in her mouth I'd be mad, but giving a little taste of good, natural food? I'm AOK with it.

 

[calpurnia]

my dd's grandfather gave her a "taste" of champagne when she was 8 weeks old. words cannot describe my fury.

 

[Twinklefae]

I would also freak. As a mom of a kid with food allergies.... please beg him to stop. You DON"T want to be dealing with this when your LO is my LO's age...

 

[infraread]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twinklefae I would also freak. As a mom of a kid with food allergies.... please beg him to stop. You DON"T want to be dealing with this when your LO is my LO's age...

:
Allergies don't just happen, they're an overactive immune response. One has to be sensitized to something to be allergic to it; you're not going to know at first exposure that there is an allergy present. At 7 weeks, like others have said, a baby's system is way to immature to handle regular people food.

I'm not one who runs to a doctor for every little thing, but this is one instance where you may want to consult with your HCP because he/she will probably be able to convince your hubby that it's not wise to feed "tastes" to your babe.

 

[mama.rye]

NO NO NO!!
I would lose it.

It's not just an allergy issue, its a digestive one! Their systems are not made to handle food at that age - even just a taste...

 

[guestmama9920]

I'd be mad, maybe in 10 weeks he can try that, not now

 

[MoonWillow]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twinklefae I would also freak. As a mom of a kid with food allergies.... please beg him to stop. You DON"T want to be dealing with this when your LO is my LO's age...

:

 

[crabbyowl]

Thanks for all the responses! I'll be sure to tell DH these things the next time he tries this.

 

[MovingMomma]

One other thought: You can tell your DH that baby gets to taste different flavors already in your breastmilk! Babies who are breastfed are more open to trying different foods when starting solids than babies who are formula fed.

 

[cellarstella]

I like the resounding "NO's" here! DH let 8 week old DD "taste" cranberry sauce at thanksgiving.

I made him stop and told him she could taste it later that night through the breastmilk.