Speech, Swallowing, & Voice Specialists of Hawaii
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2-3 YEARS OLD
Feeding/Swallowing Milestones
Typical milestones during this age range
Feeding/Swallowing
Rotary (circulatory) jaw motion when chewing
Chewing with lips closed
One-handed cup holding and open cup drinking with no spilling
Using fingers to fill spoon
Eating wide range of solid food
Total self feeding, using fork
Able to take appropriate bites of food, does not always stuff mouth
Able to tolerate/cope with most foods offered as part of family meal but foods with touch skin and very tough meats may still be difficult
Imitates children’s eating behavior of the same age
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
(Usually by 2 years)
Stands on tiptoe
Kicks a ball
Begins to run
Climbs onto and down from furniture without help
Walks up and down stairs holding on
Throws ball overhand
Draws or copies straight lines and circles
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(Closer to 3 years)
Climbs well
Runs easily
Pedals a tricycle (3-wheel bike)
Jumping in place
Walks up and down stairs, one foot at a time
Using scissors
Sensory
Enjoys swinging, being thrown in air, and roughhousing
Able to participate in messy activities that result in dirty hands
Aware of sensation such as a wet diaper or underpants
Able to tolerate and stay calm during haircuts and while clipping fingernails