Has your little one started staring at every bite of food as it goes from your plate into your mouth? Has she tried to grab little morsels for herself? If so, you may be asking yourself the big question: "Is my baby ready to start solids?"

Starting Solids, There are 7 Things You Need to Know.

1. Go slowly. Offer your baby very small amounts of food to start out (a half teaspoon or so). Gradually increase the amount you are offering until you are giving your baby one-quarter cup or so of food at a time.

2. Breast milk or formula comes first during baby's first year. To keep an adequate milk supply, if you are breastfeeding, and to provide your baby with his most important food during his first year of life, nurse or feed your baby formula before offering solid foods.

3. Expect things to be a bit messy. Much of the food you feed your baby will end up on her clothes and on the floor. This is par for the course, so dress appropriately.

4. Introduce only one new food each week. The best time for offering new foods is in the morning. This makes it easier to observe your baby for signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, runny nose, congestion, ear infection, fussiness or an upset tummy. Watch for severe reactions. If these occur they should be reported to your baby's health care provider.

5. Remember that babies have tiny tummies and do best with small amounts offered through the day, rather than three bigger meals.

6. Follow baby's cues. If your baby doesn't like a food, or just isn't hungry, don't force the issue. (It won't hurt your baby to go back totally to breast or bottle and take a solid food break for a few days.) It's important to keep mealtime enjoyable.

7. Make meals a social event. Allow your baby to sit with the family at mealtime so she can begin to enjoy the social side of sharing a meal with the family. Babies usually love this interaction.