I was thinking of whether to post this in weaning section or here but I think here is more relevant as its really about our bfing relationship.

So... I've always said that I would bf as exclusively as I can until she reaches 6 months. We've done pretty well with the exception of around 2-3 ozs of formula that was offered on her 2nd night when I had a breakdown. Anyway DD is now 5.5 months so we are so so close to my original goal.

Dilemma now is that I think she's ready for food but I'm totally not. She's displaying some pretty good signs of readiness- she can sit up for at least 20secs with no support, stay seated for ages with a little bit of support and has done for a couple of weeks. Her hand to mouth coordination is VERY good and has been for more than a month. She watches us eating almost obsessively. She chews her own tongue (I don't know whether this is a sign or not but it's pretty funny to watch her chewing away when we are eating).

She nurses a LOT still- 14 times today (not that I'm keeping count or anything ) and I don't really mind at all but I keep thinking "what if I'm holding her back and what she needs is food?" I don't want to deprive her of food when she's ready just because I want to EBF until 6 months. I know some of you might think "whats the big deal? Just feed her and see whether she wants to eat or not?" but I dunno, it just seems like such a big step, like my baby is growing up so quickly another 2 weeks isn't long to wait but I feel guilty when we are sitting there eating and she is watching us like she wants to join in.

I don't even want to post this coz I don't want everyone to say "just feed her food" and then for me not to take the advice when I was the one who asked for it. Am I a little crazy?

I'd wait til she's 6 months...that's what I did. You're not going to be depriving her of food as babies get all of their nutrients from breastmilk or formula for the first year. Solids are just a way of introducing different textures and such....they are more for the experience then the nutrients. A lot of people believe that starting solids will make their baby sleep through the night but it's not true. I'd talk to your doctor before starting solids - just to get the ok and to know what to start with.

My daughter will be 7 months in 4 days and she hasnt had solids. She is crawling, sitting up, watches us eat, but she is perfectly content waiting. Of course I'm not saying wait 7 months, that was just my choice. I waited 7 months with my 2nd as well. Anyway if I have anything in my hands my daughter is very intrigued so it isnt just food. I have given her tiny sips of water out of a cup on a few occasions and she does freak when she sees me drinking anything because she wants some so bad! So I give her less an oz. of water a day and she spills most of it out of her mouth since she hasnt figured out drinking out of a cup.
My daughter nurses about 10-11 times a day and is still a bit chunky and very active and happy so I know waiting until 7 months wont kill her! I am excited to start solids though!

I would just wait the extra 2 weeks. x

I would wait too, I thought lo was showing all the signs but when it comes down to it he's not interested in eating the food, only playing.
X

Thanks ladies. I'm gonna wait