Pediatrics experts offer some common-sense advice to feed a baby

Pediatrics experts say most children 6 months and older can safely eat a wide variety of foods. Here are commonsense rules to follow: Solid foods should not be introduced before 4 months and most doctors suggest waiting until 6 months.

If your family has a history of food allergies, proceed cautiously under a doctor's guidance and avoid allergenic foods, such as peanuts and certain seafood.

Offer only nutritious foods, such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Infants have no room in their diets for empty calories.

Make sure the texture of the food doesn't present a choking hazard. Introduce only one new food at a time and watch for signs of allergies or stomach upset. Most doctors suggest waiting a few days between each new food, but there is no minimum waiting period.

Try and try again. It can take 10 or more attempts for children to accept new foods. An initial rejection, especially of healthy foods, shouldn't be taken as a sign that a child doesn't like something, AP reports.

P.T.