Amy Childs recently faced a barrage of criticism when she announced she was thinking of weaning her four-month-old baby, Polly.
Amy took to Instagram to explain that her little one was constantly hungry, and she thought that introducing some baby rice could help.
“I was feeding her every four hours, and now she is waking up in between, wanting more food!” she explained.
“I don’t know why, but I still think she is so small to be having baby rice; but I’m going to give it a try, as they now say to put them on rice at four months.”
Amy’s announcement prompted a backlash from fans who thought four months was too young.
One follower branded the reality star ‘irresponsible’, writing: “As an influential person, Amy should not be promoting early weaning, end of. Guidelines are there for a reason.”
This seemed to be the general consensus, with another chiming in: “What you do with your baby is your business, but as a ‘celebrity’ who lots of people follow/look to, there’s no way you should be publicly posting this."
Despite the criticism, Amy has decided to go ahead with introducing some baby food to Polly’s diet.
Amy posted a photo of weaning bowls, spoons and a packet of baby food online, writing: "Weaning ready! To all you mum police out there, Polly is now four months and ready for her porridge!
"I know my baby like all you mums know your babies... Polly is a very hungry baby, and on the packet it even says four to six months. I have got so many haters commenting on my wall about weaning my baby.
"I'm so excited but also so nervous to start weaning Polly! So, mums out there - no hate, please.”
Some of Amy’s followers weren’t so happy with her decision, with one responding: “Your child, your decision. But really no need to publicise the fact that you're going against NHS guidelines... #justsaying.”
However, some mums did support the former TOWIE star’s choice. One mum replied: “I weaned my little girl at four months - didn't do her any harm. If I had another, I would do the same again good luck.”
“Started mine at four months, totally fine. At the end of the day - if they need more, they need more. Just don't reduce her bottle intake,” another mum advised.
Another supporter added: "Can't believe the abuse Amy Childs got about weaning her own baby! Shocking! People really have sad lives!"
Others took a more neutral stance and simply wished her luck with the process.
Weaning can be a tricky time – what do you think, mums?
