Speech, Swallowing, & Voice Specialists of Hawaii
---------------------------
4-6 YEARS OLD
Feeding/Swallowing Milestones
Typical milestones during this age range
Feeding/Swallowing
Uses utensils to pick up pieces of food
Eats diet rich in various foods, temperatures, and textures
Can drink from a cup and straw without dribbling
--------------------
(closer to 6+ years)
Able to eat without making a mess
Aware when food is on mouth or face
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
(Ranges from 4-6 years of age)
Hops and stands on one foot up to 2- 10 seconds (10 seconds closer to 5)
Catches a bounced ball most of the time
Pours, cuts with supervision, and mashes own food
May be able to skip
Can do a somersault
Uses a fork and spoon
Can use the toilet independently
Swings and climbs
Sensory
(Ranges from 4-6 years of age)
Able to sit and pay attention
​
Mostly comfortable with change
​
Participates in crafts/activities that involve wet textures (i.e.; glue)
Usually does not bring non-food objects to mouth
Able to take a bath or shower, although preference may be present
Enjoys participating in loud fun settings, such as birthday parties
​
Able to pay attention and is not distracted by sounds not noticed by others