Do not try to feed the baby in a semi-reclined position such as an infant carrier or car seat. It is very difficult for her to swallow while reclining and difficult to see the spoon as it comes toward her mouth. It is important that the infant be able to see the spoon coming towards her mouth so that she can open her mouth in anticipation. Do not force the spoon between closed lips as this turns feeding into an unpleasant experience and can cause many feeding problems later on. Use an infant size spoon.
Many babies prefer a plastic or rubber coated spoon - cold metal can be an unpleasant experience.
A baby who is reluctant to open and fusses and complains when the parent tries feeding for the first time may not be ready - wait a few days and then offer the food again. D o not put infant cereal or any other solid into a bottle or infant feeder. It will interfere with the child's natural ability to obtain the appropriate amount of energy from the milk feeds. It is simply force feeding and inappropriate. O nce the infant is developmentally ready for solids, the parents need to be ready to change quickly.