COVID NOTICE
Schedule Today
COVID NOTICE
Schedule Today

Birth to 1 year Feeding Milestones

These milestones cover feeding and swallowing development in children. Info used from ASHA

 
 

Birth to 3 Months

  • What Can My Baby Do?
  • Can keep their head up when held up.
  • Moves their head towards the nipple and opens their mouth.
  • How Does My Baby Eat and Drink?
  • Attaches to the nipple.
  • Swallows and Sucks Securely
  • What Should My Baby Be Eating and Drinking?
  • Breast milk and/or infant formula

4 to 6 Months

  • What Can My Baby Do?
  • Moves hands to the breast or bottle.
  • Gently taps on the breast or bottle.
  • Puts hands or toys in their mouth.
  • Begins to sit up on their own or with support and can hold the breast or bottle while eating.
  • Can sit in a highchair with support and straps, even when slightly reclined.
  • How Does My Baby Eat and Drink?
  • Opens their mouth when they see a spoon coming.
  • Uses their tongue to push food to the back of their mouth to swallow.
  • What Should My Baby Be Eating and Drinking?
  • Breastmilk and/or infant formula.
  • Baby cereal that's mixed with breastmilk or formula, after checking with a doctor.
  • Smooth purees like baby foods that are free of lumps or chunks.

6 to 9 Months

  • What Can My Baby Do?
  • Can hold their head up when sitting.
  • Leans forward when they want to eat.
  • Still needs support sitting in a highchair, including a footrest.
  • Reaches out for toys and food.
  • Uses fingers to pick up food.
  • Brings food to their mouth by themselves and begins to feed themselves.
  • Attempts to hold a spoon.
  • How Does My Baby Eat and Drink?
  • Begins to use a cup but might bite on the edge or straw, leading to some spills.
  • Drools less than before.
  • Uses their tongue to move food around in their mouth.
  • Starts munching on food.
  • What Should My Baby Be Eating and Drinking?
  • Continues with breastmilk and/or formula and can begin having small amounts of water.
  • Eats smooth purees with some texture, like mashed potatoes, applesauce, oatmeal, or pudding.
  • Begins eating soft, solid foods that are easy to chew, cut into strips, such as pancakes, toast, or cheese.

9 to 12 Months

  • What Can My Baby Do?
  • Grasps a bottle or sippy cup using both hands.
  • Sits up straight in a highchair with little help.
  • Holds a spoon while eating.
  • Eats food using their fingers.
  • How Does My Baby Eat and Drink?
  • Bites off small pieces from larger foods.
  • Chews food using a circular motion, known as "rotary chewing."
  • Keeps lips closed when swallowing.
  • What Should My Baby Be Eating and Drinking?
  • Soft foods that are easy to chew, like pieces of banana, cubes of cheese, or bits of pasta.
  • Breastmilk and/or infant formula, and can start having small sips of water.

What Can I Do To Help?

If you notice your child struggling with breastfeeding, using a bottle, or eating solid foods, it’s important to seek assistance sooner rather than later. Addressing these issues early on can help avoid eating difficulties and promote a positive approach to food for both you and your child.

 

 

 

Facebook Instagram