Beck, its so annoying, EVERYONE has different advice. All the books, leaflets say 4-6 months for solids, but both my aunty and MIL heard on the radio (different places) the other day, that 4 months is recommended now as people are leaving it too long, and babies nutritional needs are not being met.
I found a book I wrote for Tilly the other day and it said the date I started her on solids, she was 3 months, 3 weeks. COuldn't believe I started so early!!
Anyway, moral is, she's ok! She has very mild exzma which only started when she was 5, so I would say it's unrelated to starting solids at 4 months!! I would definitely follow bubs signs and not feel guilty when youstart. Coco is watching us like a hawk and hasn't put on weight in a long time, so I think that means I should consider. But like you beck, I want to wait as long as possible.
Regardless of advice, i just think their tummies are so new and delicate, that the longer the better (just not too long to cause nutritional damage.). Honestly ... theres' always something!!!