Feeding FAQ: 4-6 months – Weaning

One of my 5mth twins seems to be putting on weight rather quickly. Should I cut back on his milk?

I am concerned whether my twins are eating the right amount. My girl seems fine, but my boy appears to be putting on weight pretty fast and is getting a bit podgy! They eat very similar amounts. Are the amounts they’re eating normal for their age and weight? And if it’s too much, how can I cut it down without them (especially him) getting upset at having their bottle taken away?

My son feeds at 7.45am 7oz formula, 11am 6ozs, 2.30pm 6ozs, 2.30pm 6ozs, 5.30pm 7ozs. At 7.45am he takes 1 teaspoon baby rice [given because of lactose intolerance], 11am 5 cubes of mixed pureed vegetables, 5.30pm 4teaspoons rice with 2 cubes pureed pear. He weighs 18lbs.

The amount of food your little boy is taking seems to be right for his age and weight. Be guided by his needs as well as looking at the amounts suggested in The Contented Weaning Guide. Providing he is satisfied after eating his solids he is taking in enough for his needs.

Until the sixth month milk is still the main nutrient of your son’s diet. Once protein is introduced he will begin to cut back on his lunchtime feed and gradually his solid intake will overtake his milk intake.

Boys on the whole are slightly bigger than girls so you will probably notice a difference between your twins. Compare the centile graphs at the back of your Child Health record book and you will see that there is a slight difference between the growth rate of girls and boys. Look at his growth rate since birth. Providing he has not gained weight excessively and suddenly moved up several centile lines he is growing at a steady rate.

Until the twins really begin to move around – rolling and beginning to position themselves prior to crawling – your son, who possibly is a different build from his sister, may appear quite chubby. Once he is more physically active you may notice his body shape slimming down a little. Provide the twins with plenty of floor time, encouraging them to roll over from back to front and back again. Place them on their tummies for a short time each day as this helps them develop the movements needed in order to crawl. Use toys placed in front of them to encourage them to look up and strengthen their neck muscles.