Though not quite as momentous as your baby's first smile, the day that your child goes from only breast milk or formula to solid foods can be exciting for the whole family. "The day that your child joins you at the table, in her high chair, to experience her first solid foods should be enjoyable for the whole family," says Dr. Lois Dusdieker, associate professor of pediatrics in the University of Iowa College of Medicine and a staff physician at the Family Care Center.

For the first four to six months most babies get all the nourishment they need from mothers' breast milk or formula, so solid foods really aren't necessary, Dusdieker says. "Most babies aren't very adept at moving their tongues correctly and swallowing foods until then."

Your child's first solid food can be iron-fortified rice cereal--rice is a good choice because babies are less likely to be allergic to that grain; iron-fortified helps to ensure your baby does not become anemic. Try mixing the cereal with formula or breast milk and begin spoon-feeding your child small amounts of the cereal--usually up to one-fourth cup--at a meal when you have time to make the feeding fun and the infant is hungry. Formula or breast milk complete the meal, she says. The cereal should be relatively runny at first. When your child is more skilled at eating, increase the texture of the cereal.

You can continue bottle- or breast-feeding your baby on demand, even after starting her on solid foods. As your child masters her new skills, branch out to different flavors and textures. You might try introducing pureed fruits and vegetables such as green beans for two to three days, then applesauce, eventually offering a wide variety of pureed baby foods, she says. The pureed or strained baby foods can be purchased or homemade.

When both parents work outside the home, you can plan to enjoy your baby's adventures in eating at the meal where you are all together. Most children can sit for short periods in a high chair at the table and revel in the food. "Let them make a mess," Dusdieker encourages. "Insisting that a baby remain neat and clean while eating can only cause stress and grief for both parent and child. Your child has plenty of time to learn about proper table manners and about neatness." Clean the infant after the feeding is complete.

Before you know it, your child will be ready to grasp finger foods, usually around eight to 10 months, Dusdieker notes. Children's crackers and cookies are good beginner finger food choices. Around age one when your child is eating a variety of fruits, vegetables and meats, you can probably begin feeding her whole milk from a cup. Breast-feeding can continue until the mother or infant decide to wean, Dusdieker says.

Be careful to chop up cooked, soft foods including meats to make it easier for your child to chew and swallow. Parents must always be present to help young children in case they choke. "Never feed an infant peanuts, popcorn, or small round foods, such as whole-kernel corn or grapes, that could obstruct airways," she adds.