Feeding Milestones

(American Speech-Language and Hearing Association, ASHA)

Birth to 3 months

  • Holds head up when supported

  • Turns head toward nipple and opens mouth

  • Latches onto nipple or bottle

  • Tongue moves forward and back to suck

  • Sucks and swallows well during feeding

4 to 6 months

  • Brings hands to the breast or bottle

  • Pats breast or bottle

  • Brings hands or toys to mouth

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

  • Sits supported in highchair with straps and when reclined

  • Opens mouth for spoon

  • Uses tongue to move food to back of mouth for swallowing

6 to 9 months

  • Holds head up when sitting upright

  • Leans forward to receive foods

  • Still needs support from highchair around waist and legs, including footrest

  • Reaches for toys and food

  • Picks up food with fingers

  • Brings food to mouth with hands and starts to feed self

  • Tries to hold spoon

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

  • Drools less

  • Moves food around mouth using tongue

  • Munches

9 to 12 months

  • Holds bottle or cup with both hands

  • Sits upright in highchair with minimal assistance

  • Holds spoon during meal

  • Feeds self with fingers

  • Takes a small bite from a larger piece of food

  • Begins chewing food on both sides of mouth (“rotary chewing”)

  • Closes lips during swallow

Signs and Symptoms of a Feeding Delay/Disorder

(American Speech-Language and Hearing Association, ASHA)

(American Speech-Language and Hearing Association, ASHA)

Your child may have a feeding or swallowing problem if they:

  • arch their back or stiffen when feeding

  • cry or fuss when feeding

  • fall asleep when feeding

  • have problems breastfeeding

  • have trouble breathing while eating and drinking

  • refuse to eat or drink

  • eat only certain textures, such as soft food or crunchy food

  • take a long time to eat

  • pocket (which means to hold food in their mouth)

  • have problems chewing

  • cough or gag during meals

  • drool a lot or have liquid come out of their mouth or nose

  • get stuffy during meals

  • have a gurgly, hoarse, or breathy voice during or after meals

  • spit up or throw up a lot

  • are not gaining weight or growing

If your child is experiencing any of the above concerns, a comprehensive evaluation with a feeding specialist—such as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) or Occupational Therapist (OT)—is recommended to better understand their needs and guide appropriate support.