Can I delay any longer?

[turtleschell]

Ok so DD is nearly 5.5 months old, and seems crazy eager for solids. Whenever I am eating, she can't take her eyes off my food, and she often tries to snatch at my spoon or cup as it nears my mouth. She also drools HEAPS during these events.
I am certainly going to wait till she is 6months at least before commencing BLS, but I'm keen to wait a bit longer, like maybe 7months.
BUT I heard that if you delay too long, they can lose interest and then it becomes a battle.
If she is already showing strong signs at this stage, if I delay more than 6months, could she lose interest by 7months? (She is very quick in everything, quick to roll, crawl, smile, laugh etc)
I guess what I'm asking is:

Do you guys agree that the symptoms I've described are signs of readiness?

Can I delay till she's 7months or do you think I should give it a start asap (at 6months)?

[onthefly]

I wouldnt' get too hung up about set dates. If you think she's ready, why not just try giving her access to some suitable food and see what she does?

[~me~]

DD is just 6mths. I started as the MHN was worried about her weight gain. Perhaps try her on things like fingers of toast, and bits and pieces of what you are eating. The other day I gave DD a strip of steak and she sucked on it. She has also sucked on steamed fingers of carrot and a bean. So morsels of food, enough to take little steps. She has also had (and swallowed) a mandarine segment and also some crusts of wholemeal bread.
I read not too long ago that someone on here delayed solids until 7mths very successfully...go with your and her instincts.

[Barb Glare]

I guess the question is: Why do you want to delay solids past 6mnths? If your baby is 6mnths and ready, then it seems like it would be worth going for it. You will know the ultimate answer I guess when she grabs a sandwich out of your hand and shoves it down her throat! You do hear that there is a window of opportunity for introducing solids - but in my expereince they all eat in their own time.