Jay,

From the information I have on infant nutrition, it is also my
understanding that babies receive complete nutrition from BM alone up to
12 months.  After 12 months they must eat other foods to fulfill their
nutritional needs.  The exception may be Iron which most people feel you
should get more of after 6 months.  This info is most important for
situations where food is not readily available such as 3d world
contries.  It may be best in such situations to delay introduction of
solids.  In our contry whre save foods are usually available, we
recommend to start solids when the child is developmentally ready.  By
that I mean: sits up with support, good head control, tries to grab the
food on your plate and puts it in mouth.  When the child shows these
signs of readiness (usually between 4 and 6 months) its best to go along
with them.  A delay in introducing solids till much later has sometimes
been associated with food refusal and difficulties later.

When I explain to parents how to go about it I usually say that the
period between 6 months  and 1 year is transitional: let the baby
experience food (make a mess) dont force feed so they can lear to become
independent and better at it.  No pressure on quantity since theyre still
BF.  By 1 year they will be in good shape to handle their needs.

I usually do not advocate any particular baby food.  Just whaterver the
family eats mashed up to be palatable for the age.  Exception  is iron
fortified cereals since meats tend to be introduced later.

Good luck

MAryelle