What and when to feed baby are two vital questions and two of the hardest to answer. The choice between breast and formula is one only you can make but, after the first six months, there are another set of questions to tackle.
For the first four to six months baby will want milk exclusively, then it's time to introduce solids in to baby's diet. Not all babies run to the same timetable, though, so keep these guidelines in mind when you think baby might be ready for solids :
-- Baby's weight has doubled.
-- Baby starts to show an interest in your food.
-- Baby is having 32oz (about 900g) of milk a day.
-- Baby seems to be hungry, even after their usual milk intake.
-- Baby starts to put things in her/his mouth.
-- Baby can sit up unaided and turn her/his head away when full.
When all of the above are true for your baby, then it's time to start introducing solids. Start by offering baby tiny amounts of baby food thinned with milk/formula. Over the next few months, slowly add fruit and vegetables to baby's diet. Start with small amounts of each food, mashed and thinned. Only introduce one new food at a time and wait a few days before you introduce anything else. That way, you can be sure that baby likes each food and that there aren't any allergic reactions. If there is a reaction, you'll know what's causing it immediately.
Add fruit juices and water too, though not orange juice until baby is older as it's too acidic. Only put milk/formula in to baby bottles, use cups for juice, etc. Add protein to baby's diet around eight months. Start with strained meats, cottage cheese, yoghurt and dried beans.
Make mealtimes happy and encourage baby to eat new foods and try new combinations. Baby will leave you in no doubt what she/he likes and what she/he doesn't! Don't force baby to eat something they obviously don't like. By around twelve months, baby should be eating at table with the family. Despite the mess, encourage baby to feed her/himself.
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