There is no 'perfect' time for the first meal; the best time is whenever your baby is well-rested, in a good mood, and not overly hungry or tired. Many parents find success by coordinating the mealtime with their own, as modeling the behavior of eating can spark curiosity and interest in the baby. If your baby loses interest after a few minutes, don't force it—simply end the meal and try again at the next opportunity, keeping the environment light and stress-free.