When should I start?

Just watch them closely to make sure they are not gonna choke. That's what I have to say.

At around 5 months, start with one plain puree. Squash, carrot, sweet potato, peas, green beans. But only one at a time for about a week at a time. Sometimes the strong flavor tastes sour to a baby, so if your baby seems to not like the veggie, mix it with some baby cereal to bland it out a bit.

Next, try mixing some veggies.

If you want to give a quick snack and don't have to time to boil and puree, peel only half of the peel away from a banana so the other half makes a little dish for you. Take a baby spoon and scrape the banana with it. What accumulates on the spoon is soft enough for your baby to eat.

When she has gotten used to eating purees, you can scrape fresh apple and pear as well.

Next, at about 7 months, you can start throwing boiled chicken and pasta into the blender with the veggies.

At eight months, try just mashing up beans and squash or boiled carrots.

If you feel your baby is ready, give her a piece of toasted bread to munch on. You can also try to give her rice. BUT!!! Watch her closely to make sure she will not choke.
Let her try shredded chicken or turkey with a little sauce.

THINGS THEY SAY YOU SHOULD NOT GIVE YOUR BABY UNTIL ONE YEAR OF AGE:
1. Peanut Butter
2. Tomatoes
3. Egg
4. At two years of age: Seafood
5. Red Meats and Pork

I have given my daughter tomato sauce and egg and she has been fine, but doctors recommend to wait until a year has passed.

Remember! I am not a doctor! This is all based on MY experience with MY baby who is now eight and a half months old.

Tomorrow, an interview with Tina Garcia who is certified in CPR and will explain how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver on your baby, if the need should ever arise.