The best time to wean your baby onto solid food is at about age 6 months. This is because your baby's mouth will start to change around that time to help her cope with the transition. Another guide is to start when baby doubles in weight.
Before then your baby's digestive system and kidneys are able to cope only with breastmilk and formula. But don't leave it too late as baby may find it difficult to adapt to swallowing food, and she will need a balanced varied diet.
What You Will Need
You don't need a high chair, not at this stage anyway. Baby won't be able to hold her head up until about age 12 months, so feed her while she is in your lap or in a seat that supports her head.
Foods To Try And Some To Avoid
The Transition
The move from milk to solid food can take place only gradually. At first, solids should take the place of one of the milk feeds. Then, over the next 3 or 4 months, introduce more solid food and cut down on the milk; and chop and cut food rather than puree after a few weeks.
Vegetarian
If you are vegetarian and want your baby to avoid meat and fish, this should not be a problem. The same nutrients present in
meat are also available in other foods and you will be familiar with what is
required for a balanced diet. However, if you are a vegan, your baby could miss out on certain vitamins as well as sufficient protein. Prolong breastfeeding as long as possible, and take expert advice on any necessary supplements.
Baby's In Charge
Of course no two babies are the same and there are no rules laid down regarding exact timing. Appetites vary too and your baby will tell you by her actions whether she needs to be 'topped-up' with a bottle of milk.
About the Author
Tony Luck runs a website with advive to new moms and babycare. Included is the fascinating which supposedly tells you whether the baby you are expecting will be a girl or boy.