Appletree, there is tonnes of research to show that using any sort of laxative is a problem, especially in young kids. I'm sure it even says on the consumer information that long term use is not recommended. Even in the short term, the body becomes dependent on it - ie regulates to the level it needs to with the additional help - so it can be a very long and difficult process to get the bowel working properly again. I'm surprised your medical practitioner didn't give you more information about this, although I think many are so pharmaceutical focused that forget the longer term impacts.

Definitely giving foods that are as close to "normal" as possible is the best idea. There really is no need for baby food after 6 months (the recommended time to start solids). They can eat finger foods so chunks of fruit and steamed vegies is a common place to start. Also starting solids very slowly is a good idea - BLS is great for this for this because you put the food down in front of the baby and they only eat what they want.

If a baby isn't showing signs of interest and food is upsetting their tummy, it's a pretty safe bet they are not ready yet. My first DS wasn't ready until nearly 1. Once their iron stores start to deplete and they need extra nutrition in their diet (and this can happen anywhere between 6 and 12 months depending on a number of factors), they will start to eat. Again, BLS is great for this because you don't need to know when they are ready. They will play with food until they are ready to eat it, and then start eating themselves when the time is right.