Let me start by saying that I agree with the recommendation to start babies on solids at 6 mo, but I think most of us also know that we should "watch the baby no the clock" (or calendar in this case). Parents need guidelines, and WHO and individual governments and agencies provide these, but if baby is showing all the signs of being ready somewhat earlier, and there is a safe source of food/water, I believe we should follow the baby's cues.
 
If looking for a true "clinical" reason, I could mention a baby that is showing signs of -or clinician suspects- Fe depletion (like some of our mystery bloody-stool babies) AND baby is developmentally ready, I'd rather feed the baby a high Fe food than give Fe supplements.
 
Have a good weekend everyone!Daniela Torres Marco MS, RD, IBCLCPediatric DietitianBoard Certified Lactation Consultant> Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2008 11:54:56 +1000> From: [log in to unmask]> Subject: [LACTNET] What is a clinical reason to introduce solids prior to 6 months?> To: [log in to unmask]> > What is a good clinical reason to introduce solis prior to 6 months? I have just read the new joint publication from the Health and UNICEF called, "Weaning: Starting solid food" From: http://www.babyfriendly.org.uk/pdfs/weaning_leaflet.pdf They make a comment about if mothers choose to introduce solids prior to 6 months to avoid typical allergy foods, but what is a good clinical (medical) reason for introducting solid food prematurely? They suggest that food should never be given prior to 4 months!!! I would have thought 6 months or there abouts?> > > Blessings,> Rachael> ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________> GentleBirth Pregnancy and Birth Education> Rachael Austin RN, EM, IPN, Adv. CBE> Midwife in Private Practice> Ph: (07) 49 931 213> Fax: (07) 49 931 341> Mob: 0419750 780> Email: [log in to unmask] > www.gentlebirth.com.au > > 2008 - The Year of Homebirth Awareness.> Help support and value women. Protect their babies.> Tell everyone you know that homebirth exists as a VALID birthing choice!> > ***********************************************> > Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html> To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]> Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]> COMMANDS:> 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail> 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail> 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet> 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome> 
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