Cass- OMG at your cat, did you get the video out? As for solids I think most people after 4mth know when there bub is ready, give him a go and if he has trouble mouthing it, swallowing it (pushing out with tongue) or passing a stool then you know he isn't ready and you can stop. I think the 6mth thing was brought in because a) people were giving solids to babies who couldn't sit up properly and it was a choking hazard b) people were giving solids as the main diet which caused weight loss in babies as their systems are not designed to live solely on solids, their diet should remain mainly milk for the first 12mths (which is why they recommend a BF before the solid meal. c) people were offering young babies things like wheat and dairy far too young which can cause lasting intestinal damage, So they made a sweeping statement that we should all wait for 6mth. As important as it is to wait, you know when Oskar is ready and as long as he is sitting up (supporting his own weight) can mouth the food, isn't dropping any feeds and is processing the food properly (ie when he poops does it look like poop or does it look like carrots/brocholi etc) Having said that before 6mth make sure you watch that there is no wheat, dairy or eggs given as these are the main culprits in causing intestinal probs - which is why we are sticking with pure veges and fruit.

cass_blob - oh lucky you having your mum come up! I would love to have my mum nearby. Hope the move goes smoothly