La Leche says that *one* sign of readiness for solids is increasing frequency of eating, including wanting to eat full meals several times per night when they previously slept through. But you need to look for other signs of readiness too - like being interested in what you are eating, moving their mouth to imitate you while eating, smacking their lips when they see you eat, being able to pick things up (like off a high chair tray) and trying to put it in their mouth. When it comes down to it, you know your baby best, and you have to decide when solids are necessary - 5 months or 8 months?
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests waiting until at least 6 months to start solids, mostly because baby shouldn't need anything but breast until then and to cut back on food allergies. The baby food companies have got us convinced that we must give our babies purees and cereals, before our babies are ready.
If it were me, I would wait another week or so to see if this continues or lessens/stops. Consider why she is nursing so much. Are you about to get your period? Have you recently returned to work or changed your schedule? Is this a growth spurt? Are you working out too much or dieting that is affecting your milk supply?
It is so hard when they get to be about this age and you wonder if solids will "solve" things. I remember thinking, gee, he's a big baby, maybe he will sleep through again if I give him solids? Well, when he got solids, he didn't sleep through again, I think it may have been his teeth bugging him in hindsight. Good luck and I'm sure we'll see you on the feeding solid foods boards soon enough!
