Not just yet. It's better to wait until between 4 and 6 months. Try to wait until he is six months if you can, especially if he's breastfed. Before that he really doesn't need solid food -- formula or breast milk is enough. And while the scientific data isn't entirely clear, introducing solids too early may increase his risk of allergic disease or obesity.

When you do start, keep it simple. Here are some good choices:

• A single-ingredient baby food
• A pureed fruit
• A well-cooked vegetable or meat. Use a strainer to get out any chunks he might choke on.

Baby cereal is a good first food as well. It's easy to prepare; mix the cereal with some formula or breast milk.

Introduce new foods one at a time, waiting at least a couple of days between them. That way if he has a reaction, like a rash or diarrhea, you'll know which food was the culprit.

At first, a few spoonfuls once or twice a day is plenty. If he seems to be having trouble getting the hang of it, stop and try again in a week or two. There's no need to rush; he's got years of eating ahead of him.

For more advice and tips, talk to his doctor at the 4-month checkup.