Speech, Swallowing, & Voice Specialists of Hawaii
---------------------------
BIRTH-3 MONTHS
Feeding/Swallowing Milestones
Typical milestones during this age range
Feeding/Swallowing
Roots and turns in search of nipple
Latches onto a nipple/bottle
Tongue moves forward and back to suck
Drinks 2-6 ounces of liquid per feeding, 6x per day
Sucks and swallows well during feeding
Sucks fists
Lip closure improving; less leakage during feeding (closer to 2+ months)
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
While lying on tummy, pushes up on arms
While on tummy, lifts and holds head up
Able to move fists from closed to open
Able to bring hands to mouth
Moves legs and arms off of surface when excited
Sensory
While lying on back, visually tracts a moving toy from side to side
While lying on back, attempts to reach for a toy held above their chest
While lying on back, keeps head centered to watch faces or toys
Able to calm with rocking, touching, and gentle sounds
Enjoys a variety of movements