Speech, Swallowing, & Voice Specialists of Hawaii
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13-18 MONTHS
Feeding/Swallowing Milestones
Typical milestones during this age range
Feeding/Swallowing
Can hold and drink from open cup independently
Increases variety of chopped table foods and participates in family mealtime
Self-feeding: grasps spoon with whole hand
Holding hand with 2 hands
Drinking with 4-5 consecutive swallows
Holding and tipping bottle (if still using bottle)
Imitates adult’s eating and preferences
May say the word for food desired
Can extend tongue out of mouth to clear food off lips
Can draw lips into mouth to clear food
Rotary (circular) chewing
Able to handle easily chewed foods such as finely chopped and soft meats and some coarsely chopped foods
Feeding/Swallowing is a fine motor skill that also involves a great deal of sensory components. For this reason, motor and sensory milestones for this age group are also listed below as a delay or disturbance in either could influence your child's feeding/swallowing ability.
Motor
Walking independently and seldom falls
Squats to pick up toys
Stacks two objects or blocks
Sensory
Has a regular sleep schedule
Helps with getting dressed/undressed
Eats an increasing variety of foods
Able to wear new and varied textures of clothing
Enjoys various textures, such as grass or sand, after multiple exposures