Infant Feeding & Swallowing at 12 Months: A Snapshot

Feeding can be a daunting prospect for mother and baby alike. There are lots of things for both of you two learn as you get to know the best routine for a feed. Below is a list of the approximate milestones you could expect from your baby by the time they are 12 months old.

0-3 Months:

• New Skills:

  • Holds head up when supported with adult hands

  • Turns head towards nipple and opens mouth when hungry.

• How Baby Eats:

  • Latches on to nipple

  • Learns to suck and swallow

• What Can Baby Eat/Drink:

  • Human milk

  • Formula

4-6 Months

• New Skills:

  • 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

• How Baby Eats:

  • Opens mouth for spoon

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

• What Can Baby Eat/Drink:

  • Human milk and/or formula

  • Infant cereal mixed with breast milk or formula (ask pediatrician)

  • Smooth baby foods (purees) with no lumps

6 to 9 Months

• New Skills:

  • Holds head up when sitting upright

  • Leans forward to receive foods

  • Needs support from highchair

  • Reaches for toys and food

  • Picks up food with fingers

  • Brings foods to mouth and starts to feed self

  • Tries to hold spoon

• How Baby Eats:

  • Starts to drink from a cup but may spill some liquid

  • Drools less

  • Moves food around mouth using tongue

  • Munches food

• What Can Baby Eat/Drink:

  • Human milk and/or formula; may start drinking small amounts of water

  • Smooth baby foods with some lumps (like mashed potatoes or oatmeal)

  • Soft, chewable, solid foods cut into strips (like toast or cheese)

9 to 12 Months

• New Skills:

  • Holds bottle or sippy cup with both hands

  • Sits upright in highchair with minimal assistance

  • Holds spoon during meal

  • Feeds self with fingers

• How Baby Eats:

  • Takes small bites from larger pieces of food

  • Begins chewing food on both sides of the mouth

  • Closes lips during swallowing

• What Can Baby Eat/Drink:

  • Soft, bite-sized foods like sliced banana, cheese cubes, or pasta

  • Human milk and/or formula; may drink small amounts of water

Feeding & Swallowing Tips & Tricks:

• Try New Foods Multiple Times: Give your child many chances to try a new food before deciding if they like it.

• Serve a Variety: Offer different kinds of foods. Don't worry if they don't like something the first few times.

• Cook Together: Involve your child in cooking. This makes trying new foods exciting because they helped make it.

• Make Mealtime Fun: Turn meals into a playful experience. For example, have a picnic or finger paint with applesauce.

• Build on Favorites: If your child likes something, try similar foods. For example, if they like chicken nuggets, offer a chicken patty.

• Encourage Without Pressure: Ask your child to try new foods, but don't push or bribe them. Pushing can make them dislike eating.

• Teach Hunger and Fullness Cues: Help your child understand when they are hungry and full. This promotes healthy eating habits.

Please note the above information is general in nature and is not intended as professional medical advice. Please seek an appointment with a registered speech-language pathologist if you are at all worried about your child's development.

References:

• ASHA (2024). Feeding and Swallowing Milestones: Birth to 1 Year. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. https://www.asha.org/public/developmental-milestones/feeding-and-swallowing-milestones-birth-to-1-year/