Baby Feeding Questions

Per our Pediatrician:
For the 1st year of life, breastmilk/Formula is a baby's primary source of nutrition. NOT solids and not other liquids.

Solids, for the 1st year, is an 'introduction' to 'eating' and foods. Thus, they may or may not.... be having solids, 3 times a day. Usually, you start with 1 'meal' of solids a day... then, gradually work up to 3 'meals' of solids per day. Gradually. Over the course of the year. This is also to prevent constipation and/or allergic reactions, to foods not given before.

Per proteins/meats: per our Pediatrician... it was not recommended until 1 year old.
Too much protein for example, or too much concentrated protein... can overload the kidneys. For example.

Finger-foods.... should not be given, until a child has finger grasping fine-motor skills....

www.babycenter.com is a good site, for info on "solids" and feeding.

Here are some resources on Baby Led Feeding that I have found to be SO helpful in having or baby enjoy mealtimes with us. We started around 8mo with her and have not turned back. Now at 15mo she eats everything we eat & the only thing we cut into "small" pieces is meat and it only because she does not like the texture. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions or want to know more. Can not say enough good things about it!
http://nourishedkitchen.com/baby-led-weaning/
http://www.rapleyweaning.com/

With Baby Led Feeding, simple safety rules are observed, choking is no more likely than with any other method of introducing solids. Allowing babies to control what goes into their mouths actually helps them learn to eat safely.

I couldn't remember either, so you're not alone. My ped told me to start around 6 months with cereal once a day, and gradually increase to 3 times a day. My daughter is 8 months also. After cereal, he told me we are free to try any fruits and veggies. New foods at least 3 days to be sure there is no allergy. So now she gets 3 meals a day, each one consists of some cereal and half jar of fruit or veg. He also said she should be drinking between 25 and 30 oz. Of formula per day. He told me to start trying cheerios to master her pincer grasp. Sounds like yours is ready for that. I haven't been given the ok on meats or pasta yet.
Good Luck!! Have fun!!

www.wholesomebabyfood.com has great charts and up to date recommendations about when to introduce various solids.