It might be time for parents to discard everything they think they know about feeding babies.

That's because it appears most advice about weaning infants onto solid foods is more myth than science.

Research suggests that rice cereal may not be the best first food. Peanut butter doesn't have to wait until after the first birthday. And even spicier foods could be part of the diet.

Doctor David Ludwig of Children's Hospital Boston, a specialist in pediatric nutrition, says some studies suggest rice and other highly processed grain cereals actually could be among the worst foods for infants.

Exposing infants to more variety may help them adapt to different foods later which Ludwig says could lead to healthier eating and less obesity.

Experts say children over six months can handle most anything, with a few caveats.