If solids are started around the 6 month mark, there is no need for parents to
spoon it in at all.  A truly developmentally ready child will be able to grab
a grain of rice, a pea, a mini rice cake, whatever, and get it into his/her
own mouth.  This way the child learns fine motor skills, and gets small
amounts initially, which I beleive is appropriate, as solids decrease the
amount of breastmilk consumed, calorie for calorie.  Oatmeal and apple sauce
are edible with fingers by the dip and lick method as well!  Messy, but
satisfying!
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC