My experience as a La Leche League Leader is that most feeding, other than
breastfeeding, before the 1 year mark are more experimentation and
experiential than nutritional.  In fact, when introducing solids La Leche
League suggests breastfeeding first then trying some solids during a
feeding session.

I also suggest that mothers watch their babies for signs of readiness.
Obviously if a 5 month old is sitting in your lap at dinner and grabbing at
your food, that baby is interested in experimenting with food.  But, if
that 5 month old is perfectly happy breastfeeding while your eating with
your free hand then that baby is probably not ready.

It comes down to watching the baby, picking up on it's cues, and allowing
that the mother knows her child best.


Alicia, LLLL in the Bluegrass (Lexington, KY)
aka Post Poster
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