Feeding and Swallowing Milestones: Birth to 1 Year

[en Español]

These milestones cover feeding and swallowing development in children. View a handout of feeding and swallowing milestones for children from birth to 6 months [PDF] and from 6 months to 1 year old [PDF].

Childrens nutritional needs change as they grow and may be different from other children their age. It's important to check with your child's pediatrician for feeding recommendations that are specific to your child's needs.

Each child develops uniquely even within the same family, and may meet certain milestones earlier or later than others. If your child does not meet many of the milestones within their age range, visit ASHA ProFind to find an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist (SLP) for an assessment.

Birth to 3 Months

What can my baby do?

Holds head up when supported.^{12, 14}

Turns head towards nipple and opens mouth.⁷

How does my baby eat and drink?

Latches to nipple.^{10, 11}

Sucks and swallows.^{10, 11}

What should my baby be eating and drinking?

Human milk and/or formula (IDDSI Level 0).¹³

4 to 6 Months

What can my baby do?

Brings hands to the breast or bottle.¹⁴

Pats breast or bottle.¹⁴

Brings hands or toys to mouth.¹⁴

Starts to sit up in cradle position and holds breast or bottle during feeding.¹⁴

Sits supported in highchair with straps and when reclined.¹⁴

How does my baby eat and drink?

Opens mouth for spoon.¹⁴

Uses tongue to move food to back of mouth for swallowing.¹⁴

What should my baby be eating and drinking?

Human milk and/or formula (IDDSI Level 0).¹³

Infant cereal mixed with breast milk or formula* (IDDSI Level 3).¹³

Smooth baby foods (purees) with no lumps or chunks (IDDSI Level 4).⁹

*Consult with pediatrician regarding appropriate infant cereals.

6 to 9 Months

What can my baby do?

Holds head up when sitting upright.^{4, 12, 14}

Leans forward to receive foods.^{4, 12, 14}

Still needs support from highchair around waist and legs, including footrest.^{4, 12, 14}

Reaches for toys and food.¹⁴

Picks up food with fingers.^{12, 14}

Brings foods to mouth with hands and starts to feed self.¹⁴

Tries to hold spoon.¹⁴

How does my baby eat and drink?

Starts to drink from a cup, but may bite cup edge or straw; some liquid spills out of mouth.¹²

Drools less.¹⁴

Moves food around mouth using tongue.¹⁴

Munches.¹⁵

What should my baby be eating and drinking?

Human milk and/or formula; may start drinking small amounts of water (IDDSI Level 0).¹³

Smooth baby foods (purees) with some lumps (minced and moist) like mashed potatoes, applesauce, oatmeal, or pudding (IDDSI Level 5).^{4, 13, 14}

Soft, chewable, solid foods cut into strips like a pancake, toast, or cheese (IDDSI Level 6).^{1, 4, 9, 15}

9 to 12 Months

What can my baby do?

Holds bottle or sippy cup with both hands.¹⁴

Sits upright in highchair with minimal assistance.¹²

Holds spoon during meal.¹⁴

Feeds self with fingers.¹⁴

How does my baby eat and drink?

Takes a small bite from a larger piece of food.⁹

Begins chewing food on both sides of mouth (called “rotary chewing").⁹

Closes lips during swallow.¹⁴

What should my baby be eating and drinking?

Soft, bite-sized foods like sliced banana, cheese cubes, or pasta (IDDSI Level 6).^{4, 13}

Human milk and/or formula; may drink small amounts of water (IDDSI Level 0).¹²

What can I do to help?

You know your child best, so don't wait to get help if your child is having trouble breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or eating solid foods. Getting help early can prevent problems with eating and can foster a healthy relationship with food for you and your child.