Feeding and Swallowing Milestones: Birth to 1 Year

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

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.

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}

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

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.