It is conceivable that the six or seven month old could be weaned directly to taking milk from a cup, especially the kind fitted with a spout, but babies at this age find it hard to manage milk in doses larger than what they get by sucking the nipple. It is a good idea not to begin a feeding with solids since a very hungry baby will be in no mood for experiments. Once he has gotten used to eating solids, and you have learned about his preferences, you can begin trying new foods. Babies like to try tidbits from the adults' plates, and once they are able to pick things up, they enjoy gnawing on a cracker or apple slice which they can hold themselves. Even earlier, they like to grab a fistful of mush and cram it into the mouth with the palm of the hand.
Many babies take pleasure in exploring the physical properties of foods.
They like to pour and dabble and smear, using food for finger painting. Dr. Joseph Church recommends a degree of permissiveness and patience. This is one more component of the baby's learning about the world he lives in and his capacities for control and manipulation. When the baby has finished playing with his food, he may want his hands and fingers wiped clean. The baby will not be able to feed himself with a spoon independently until he is well over a year old, but long before that he wants to try.