Start solids at around six months

That's the recommended time to introduce solid foods - usually starting with baby rice mixed with breast milk or formula. However, it's not just about age. Signs that a baby is ready to start solids include being able to sit up and hold their head steady, co-ordinate their mouth, hands and eyes, and swallow food.

Baby still needs breast milk or formula

Babies typically don't eat a lot of solid foods right away. So think of solids as an addition to your baby's diet, not as a replacement for breast milk or formula. Remember, you're introducing solid foods, not completely changing baby's diet. That will happen gradually.

Starter food

The NHS advises parents to start by giving baby a few teaspoons of pureed or well-mashed vegetables, fruit or cereal mixed with either breast or formula milk.These can be offered after a milk feed, or in the middle of a milk feed.

Eating solids takes practice

Being fed by a spoon is new to your baby. Up until now, they've only had a liquid diet, and they'll need practice to get used to the spoon and to the feel of having solid food in their mouth. So don't expect them to eat a lot, maybe a teaspoon or two at a time, when you start. Instead of trying to get them to eat a certain amount, focus on letting them get used to the experience.

Get started on fruit and vegetables, one at a time.

Fruit, vegetables, cereals and even pureed meats can all be on the menu for your baby. You may want to introduce them one at a time to see how your baby reacts. If your baby won't eat them at first, try again later. Tell your GP or health visitor about any possible allergic reactions. Use Stage 1 baby food from a jar, or soften foods by mashing well or pureeing them. Put just enough on the spoon for your baby to swallow easily.

Avoid cows’ milk and honey – for a while.

Cows' milk should not be introduced as a drink until baby's first birthday, but it can be introduced in foods (yogurt, cheese) and home-cooking (sauces) from six months of age. Don't give honey to babies younger than one year because of possible botulism risk that a baby's developing immune system can't fend off.

Stop when baby's ready to stop

Pay attention and your baby will let you know when he or she has finished eating. They might swat at the spoon, turn their head away, zip their lips tightly, spit out whatever you put in their mouth or cry. Don't make them eat more than they want. Babies will eat when they're hungry and stop when they're full.

Got a fussy eater? Don't fret.

Just because your baby doesn't immediately like a new food doesn't mean they never will. Wait a few days and try again. It may take your child more than a couple of times before giving a new food a chance. Remember, you're a role model, so your baby may be more interested in foods they see you eating and enjoying. Again, don't force your child to eat, and don't make a fuss about new foods.

Things won't be tidy. That's OK.

As your baby grows, he or she will try to feed himself. Chances are, quite a lot of food is heading for their face, hands, hair, bib, clothes or high chair tray - not to mention you or any surfaces within flinging range. Learning to eat solid food is a full-body, tactile experience for your baby. Put a mat underneath baby's high chair to catch some of the mess, dress them accordingly and be patient - this phase won't last forever.

Try finger foods when baby's ready

Around seven to nine months or so, your baby will be able to pick up small pieces of soft table food to eat. Some great "finger foods" include ripe banana pieces, cooked chunks of carrots, cottage cheese, well-cooked pasta, dry cereal and scrambled eggs. Avoid choking hazards like hard sweets, nuts and crisps.

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