CHARLOTTE Crosby is cruelly mother-shamed after revealing that she started weaning her daughter when she was four months old.
The 32-year-old, who welcomed her first child with partner Jack Anchor told fans last year she couldn’t wait to get started and her little one is now enjoying some solids.
NHS guidelines recommend that parents introduce solid foods gradually from around six months – in addition to breast milk or infant formula.
When asked about her decision to let Alba try food, Charlotte explained: “So a number of reasons, but the main one was that I was so excited to give it a try, so when I saw that Ella’s pouches are suitable from four months onwards, I dove right in. My husband also said we should.
“We started with Alba about 4.5 months. There are many foods that should be completely avoided before six months, so we made sure to stay away from those. And off we went into the wonderful world of messiness.
After sharing her weaning routine with fans, she added: “After a month and a while I started giving her things to hold and eat on her own like banana, avocado, toast, carrots, yorky pud.
“Because she’s been used to different flavors and thicker consistencies for over a month now and swallowing them, I feel much more confident when she has more solid baby stuff.”
Her decision has sparked fierce debate among her fans, with one question: “Why are people like Charlotte so eager to put their children in danger? It really isn’t difficult to research the risks of early weaning. God knows what else she probably does that isn’t recommended.
A second added: “They’re all rushing weaning and it’s just so strange? What difference does it make to wait two months?”
While a third said: “Anything before 4 months should only be done on the advice of healthcare professionals. It is not for nothing that 6 months is recommended, but people like Charlotte always think they know better than professionals.”
Withdrawal advice from the GGD
NHS guidelines recommend that parents introduce solid foods gradually from around six months – in addition to breast milk or infant formula.
Here’s what The Sun’s GP columnist, Dr Zoe Williams, said earlier advised parents To do.
Waiting until six months gives babies time to develop properly so they can handle solid foods, according to the NHS.
Your baby is ready for solid food when he or she:
- Stay in a sitting position and keep your head still
- Coordinate their eyes, hands and mouth so they can look at food, pick it up and put it in their mouth
- Swallow food instead of pushing it back out
However, there are some behaviors that could be mistaken for signs that they’re ready, according to Start for Life’s weaning hub.
These include:
- Your baby chews on his fists
- Wanting extra milk feeds
- Waking up more than usual during the night
This is normal baby behavior and not necessarily a sign of hunger, or being ready to start solid food, according to the NHS.
Starting on solid foods won’t make your baby more likely to sleep through the night, but a little extra milk can help until they’re ready to eat, it advised.
It is not until they are about six months old that babies need solid food, as well as breast milk or first infant formula to meet their nutritional needs.
Why wait until your baby is around 6 months old to wean?
- Breast milk or infant formula provides the energy and nutrients needed until about 6 months
- Your baby will have time to develop and can then handle solid food
- Your baby will be better able to feed itself
- They will be better at moving food through their mouths, chewing and swallowing
This may mean that your baby doesn’t need smooth, mixed foods at all, but can have pureed, lumpy and nibbles, according to the NHS guidelines.