early introduction to things like chocolate and jam...

[ThunderPearls]

Hi. My friend has a 3 month old only a day older than my little boy. We frequently go out to lunch together. The past few times though I have been quite shocked as she has given her baby things off her plate. She has given her chocolate sauce off her finger a few times and also a small lump of chocolate cake mushed up with cream. She has also told me she has given her jams and some melted milky bar chocolate.

Is this ok or is there anything harmful about it? I feel uneasy watching this over lunch but cant really say anything as I have no evidence it may be harmful other than the underdeveloped digestive system and possible harm to teeth from the sugars (no teeth through yet but is teething).

Her baby cries and throws up quite a lot and we think its possibly reflux. Would these foods aggrivate that as I know sugary foods arent good for adults with acid/reflux.

Does anyone have any info I can give her about early intro to these kinds if foods or should I just keep quiet?

Thanks

 

[lozzy21]

Any food that early, even little tastes has the potential to increase baby's risk of intolerances and gastro problems later in life.

 

[Rachel_C]

Can you direct her to her HV or doctor? Even if she was doing early weaning from 17 weeks, all of those foods would be really stupid. Perhaps she doesn't know any better? Are there any weaning classes in your area? Perhaps you could go to one together, maybe even speak to the person running the class before hand to say that you know somebody (I wouldn't give a name) in the class is giving those foods at that age so could they address it in the class.

 

[ThunderPearls]

Thanks both of you
I was also thinking it could lead to allergies and things and I am sure I have read about early weaning being linked to coeliac (sp??)

The girl is only 16 and I dont think she has had much positive support from healthvisitors etc so dont really want to involve them.

The weaning class sounds like a good idea though as then it wont be like I am targeting her/criticising her directly. Hopefully there is one running soon near where we live ! I want to go to one anyway as I will probably be starting BLW in the next few months if LO wants... He already watches me eating but isnt trying to grab it and also cant sit up haha I cant wait till he starts though!