What kind of guitar should a child start with?

I recommend learning on a classical guitar, because the nylon strings are softer and much more forgiving on hands and fingers. At the same time, it's a very versatile instrument. And it's very important to get the right size first of all, because it will be difficult for a little kid to play a full size guitar: it's doable, but they're not going to be able to achieve what they want to, because their hands are small. So get one that fits. At the same time, for a beginner, the sound, or the name, or anything shouldn't matter. It should just matter how comfortable your child is.