Abstract: A method for feeding a child, the child having a mouth, the child having a transition from bottle-to spoon-feeding, the child having a natural swallowing reflex, the method for use during that transition, the method with respect to a spoon having a handle a bowl, the bowl having an end away from the handle thus defining an anterior end, the bowl having an end toward the handle thus defining a posterior end, the method comprising the steps of: covering a front portion of a spoon bowl by an enclosing shield so that that it leaves an opening at a posterior of the spoon bowl and at an anterior of the spoon bowl.

Abstract: A method for feeding a child, the child having a mouth, the child having a transition from bottle-to spoon-feeding, the child having a natural swallowing reflex, the method for use during that transition, the method with respect to a spoon having a handle a bowl, the bowl having an end away from the handle thus defining an anterior end, the bowl having an end toward the handle thus defining a posterior end, the method comprising the steps of: covering a front portion of a spoon bowl by an enclosing shield so that that it leaves an opening at a posterior of the spoon bowl and at an anterior of the spoon bowl. The method also includes a step of collecting a semi-liquid food through the posterior opening in the spoon bowl by moving the spoon bowl through a container of food so that the semi-liquid food enters the posterior opening of the spoon bowl and is held within a bowl cavity formed by the spoon bowl and the enclosing shield. The method also includes a step of inserting the spoon into the child's mouth.

Abstract: A utensil for feeding infants or invalids, comprised of a contoured handle and a partially enclosed spoon bowl having a large, spatula-shaped opening at the posterior end of the bowl and a smaller opening with an approximately straight edge at the anterior end of the bowl.