Starting solids can be one of the most stressful times for mums. Try not to worry too much about how much he is eating - at 6 months the bm is his main source of nutrition and food is still a learning experience.

One of the great things about Baby Led Solids is that the baby controls how much they eat, so they eat exactly the amount they need. This is not only ideal for baby, but much less worrying for mum! It really saves the stressing about whether they are getting enough. It is also less work as you are not having to puree or prepare different meals for baby. Have you have a read through the baby led solids threads on here?

Another thing to consider is that meat is now known to be one of the most important early foods for babies. It is the best source of iron and zinc for them, both of which are very important for brain development and health. Some ways to give meat are to scrape some into a pulp, give them a big piece of steak to chew/suck on, or to give them a safe bone - eg smooth and not able to splinter.

In terms of offering something else if the first food is refused, I don't think it's going to matter a lot at this age, but personally, after my experience with DS1, I wouldn't do it. I ended up with a 15 month old who would only eat 6 things. Literally. He knew if he didn't eat what he was given I'd end up giving him a sandwich, yoghurt or banana so he'd hold out. Once I stopped giving him a second choice he became a much better eater. With DS2 I inadvertently followed BLS (Baby Led Solids) - often with subsequent children that happens, and things went much better from the start.

GL hun.