When I had my first baby in 2004, I tried to introduce solids when he was 6 months old. My son was a very picky eater, and I would spend all this time each morning trying to cajole him to eat purees and baby cereal and then breastfeed him before going to work. It took a very long time and was incredibly anxiety provoking, especially as a first time working mom.

What I learned is that if you have a fussy eater or your time is limited, you should consider giving milk first. And this is actually a great schedule for any baby, because infants should still be getting their primary nutrients from breast milk or formula anyway during the first year.  You can breastfeed your baby or give your bottle, and then wait 20-30 minutes or so before giving your little meal of solids (just enough time to take a shower!). That way your solid feedings are more relaxed, because your baby is just hungry enough but not starving.

Here’s a schedule that really worked for me, assuming a 7 a.m. wake-up time which can of course be adjusted.

7 a.m.  – 1st Feed (Milk)

7:30/8 a.m.  – “Breakfast” (Solids)

9:30 a.m. – Nap (1.5 hours)

11 a.m. – 2nd Feed (Milk)

11:30/12 p.m.  – “Lunch” (Solids)

1: 30 p.m. – Nap (1.5 hours)

3 p.m. – 3rd Feed (Milk)

7 p.m. – 4th Feed (Milk)

7:30 p.m. – “Dinner” (Solids)

8 p.m. – Bedtime 

Hope this works for you – best of luck giving solids to your baby!