What solid foods should I start feeding my baby?

Signs that a baby may need solids are that he or she starts waking in the night after initially sleeping through, shows an interest in your own food, or seems unsatisfied after breastfeeding.

There's no need to rush though - increasing evidence indicates that exclusive breast-feeding for the first six months gives maximum protection against allergies and immune disorders.

Either way you will need to continue breast feeding him (or giving formula) as this is still the main source of nutrition until at least twelve months.

Great foods to start with are baby rice and pureed fruits and vegetable such as sweet potato, butternut squash, carrot and apple which were favourites first with my baby.

At first you should cook everything to get rid of any bugs and use scrupulously cleaned spoons and bowls.

Personally I didn't introduce meat until six months and eggs until eight months in case of digestive problems, but it is a good idea to introduce them then, as the baby's iron stores run out about this time.

Foods that it may also be best to wait a bit longer before introducing are dairy products - not until at least six months and 12 months if there is a history of eczema and allergies, fish - not until a year and peanuts - not until the age of two if there are allergies in the family, and then well chopped to avoid a chocking hazard.

Good luck with this exciting new venture, and remember to buy lots of bibs and a splash proof apron for you!

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