Developmental Stages of Readiness to Progress in Feeding Behaviors
| Age | Sequnce of Development | Appropriate Foods |
| Birth |
Rooting reflex – turns head toward touch near mouth and roots for nipple Suckling reflex – tongue moves forward and back to milk the nipple, followed by swallow reflex Gag reflex |
Breast milk or iron-fortified formula (continue throughout the first year) |
| 4-7 Months |
Head and trunk control is stronger Rooting and bite reflexes fade Sucking strength increases – tongue moves up and down to create suction Drooling Munching patterns (up and down chewing) begin Palmar grasp and brings objects to mouth |
Infant cereals from a spoon Strained foods from a spoon |
| 7-9 Months |
Gag reflex is weaker Tongue laterally transfers food in the mouth Voluntary and independent movements of the tongue and lips Can drink from a cup when it is held to lips Sitting posture can be sustained Holds bottle alone Beginning of chewing movements (up and down movements of the jaw) Develops pincer grasp |
Soft, mashed table foods: tuna fish, mashed potatoes, well-cooked mashed vegetables; ground meats in gravy and sauces; fruit such as applesauce, mashed bananas; yogurt; cottage cheese, cooked, mashed dry beans. |
| 10-12 Months |
Reaches for and grasps objects with scissor grasp Brings bottle and food to mouth Voluntary release (refined digital grasp) Rotary chewing pattern begins Bites crunchy foods Improved lip control during cup drinking |
Table foods and easily chewed finger foods: toast, teething biscuits, cheese sticks, peeled Vienna sausage, dry cereal, peas, well-cooked chopped meats, cooked vegetables and canned fruit, diced, peeled fresh fruit, potatoes, macaroni, spaghetti, scrambled eggs |
| 12 Months |
Cooked whole egg Whole milk from a cup |
