I'm another one who thinks that we should just follow baby's lead - we do in so many other aspects of their life, why not solids. Why are experts so intent on setting a blanket rule. I started DD1 at 4.5 months. She was sitting up and basically going nuttso if she saw anyone eating (as well as showing the other classic signs). I started DD2 at close to 7 months. She couldn't sit up much before that and I didn't think she was ready. Soon caught up though and is now a much better eater than DD1 was at the same age despite starting later.