Where should a spoon be placed when feeding a child solid food?

When feeding a child solid food, the spoon should be placed in the middle of the child's tongue. This approach allows the child to more easily manage the food, as placing it on the tongue's surface promotes natural swallowing and encourages the child to explore the texture and taste of the food. It also minimizes the risk of choking, as placing the spoon too far back in the mouth may stimulate the gag reflex or make it difficult for the child to swallow properly.

Placing the spoon at the front of the mouth may not allow for an effective eating experience, as it can be harder for the child to move the food back toward the throat for swallowing. Similarly, putting the spoon at the back of the child's throat is unsafe and can result in choking. Setting the spoon on the edge of the lips is not effective either, as it does not facilitate the child’s ability to take in the food comfortably or efficiently.