Feeding and Swallowing Developmental Milestones
Birth to 2 months: Nipple feeding from breast or bottle. Hand to mouth movements begin. Semi-reclined position during feeding
2 months to 3 months: Interacts with caregiver during feedings by using eye gaze.
3 to 4 months: Begins to put hands on bottle or breast during feedings.
5 to 6 months: Spoon feeding introduced. Holds a bottle with both hands.
6 to 9 months: More upright position during feeding. Increase lip closure around spoon. Begins to finger feed solids. Vertical chew pattern begins. Helps caregiver with spoon. Able to suck liquids from a cup.
9 to 12 months: Drinks from a cup held by the caregiver. Progresses to thicker, more textured food. Deliberately reaches for the spoon. Develops a more mature chewing pattern.
12 to 18 months: Grasps the spoon with both hands for self feeding. Able to hold and tip the bottle independently.
18 to 24 months: Primarily self-feeds. Able to chew a variety of textured foods. Oral movements are more precise.
24 to 36 months: Drinks from an open cup without spilling. Uses a fork. Eats a variety of solid foods without difficulty.
Signs of a Feeding/Swallowing Disorder
Infants:
Refuses to eat
Not gaining weight with breast/bottle feedings
Milk comes out the sides of the mouth during bottle/breast feedings
Coughing with feedings
Baby seems out of breath or avoidance behaviors such as turning the head, crying, pushing away
Taking a long time to finish a feeding
Poor latch
Maternal pain/nipple damage
A wet or gurgly sounding cry during or after eating
Excessive spitting up or vomiting after eating
Signs of pain or discomfort after eating
Toddlers:
Frequent coughing or throat clearing during or soon after eating
Spitting out food
Gagging
Difficulty moving the food in the mouth
A very limited diet
Excessive drooling
Refusing to eat certain textures or temperatures of food
If you are concerned that your child is not meeting the developmental milestones in the area of feeding, please contact Play on Words Therapy today!