Guide to Developmental Milestones and Feeding Skills From Birth to 36 Months

[two_third]The development of independent feeding begins at birth and continues until about age three. Research shows that your child’s general neurodevelopment, muscle control (including posture and overall muscle tone), cognition of language and instructions, and psychosocial abilities all have a direct correlation to the oral sensorimotor skills that enable feeding. Delays in developmental areas like muscle control and posture can affect oral motor skills and a child’s ability to receive required nutrients from eating. Problems in oral motor development can also affect speech production and social interaction.[/two_third]

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The following checkpoints on developmental milestones and corresponding oral motor skills provide markers for parents and caregivers. If you notice a child struggling in one of the areas, intervention programs like feeding therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy can help children develop the skills to attain the nutrients they need and prevent other problems down the line.

Developmental Milestones and Feeding Skills From Birth to 36 Months

Monitoring important developmental milestones and corresponding feeding skills can ensure that a child makes expected progress during the first three years of life. The first three years involve foundational developmental of structures like the lips, tongue, jaw, teeth, and palates. Learning to coordinate these structures enables safe chewing and swallowing of different textures as well as other abilities like speaking. By age four, most children can consume solids and liquids without choking and express themselves through speech.

Birth to 4-6 Months

Developmental Milestones:
Corresponding Feeding Skills:

6 Months to 9 Months (Transition Feeding)

Transition feeding refers to the gradual introduction of non-liquid foods. Reaching developmental milestones will ensure that your child has the feeding abilities to switch smoothly to solids and attain the nutrients required for continued growth.

Developmental Milestones:
Corresponding Feeding Skills:

9 Months to 12 Months

Developmental Milestones:
Corresponding Feeding Skills:

12 Months to 18 Months

Developmental Milestones:
Corresponding Feeding Skills:

18 Months to 24 Months

Developmental Milestones:
Corresponding Feeding Skills:

24 Months to 36 Months

Developmental Milestones:
Corresponding Feeding Skills:

Contact The Warren Center for any questions about your child’s progress or for information about a host of available services.

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