Infant Feeding Development – From Milk Drinker to Omnivore, How Does It Happen?

0–3 Months: Newborn and Milk Drinker

Newborns have an innate ability to suck milk and a rooting reflex that guides the baby towards the nipple.

• Sucking Reflex: Movements back and forth with the tongue to get milk.
• Bite Reflex: The jaws automatically close if something is placed between the front teeth (where the teeth will later come).

Tips for Parents:

• Follow the baby's hunger cues.
• Provide security and time during feeding – this creates positive eating habits.

4–6 Months: First Taste Tests

The baby slowly transitions from reflexive sucking to more volitional eating.

• Start introducing purees and small taste portions.
• The tongue still works back and forth, so it's normal for the food to come back out.

Tips for Parents:

• Introduce new flavors slowly.
• Accept mess and spills – it's part of the learning process.
• Try different consistencies, but start with smooth puree.

7–9 Months: Tongue and Jaw Begin to Cooperate

The baby learns to move food from side to side and can chew against the gums even without teeth. The coordination between eye and hand improves – the baby can pick up small pieces themselves.

Tips for Parents:

• Offer varied consistencies: puree with pieces, soft vegetables, or fruit.
• Continue practicing independent eating – use a spoon and cup.
• Be patient with gag reflexes – it's perfectly normal.

10–12 Months: Independence Increases

The baby becomes steadier in the torso, neck, and jaw and begins to have better control of food in the mouth.

• Can drink from a glass with practice.
• Often wants to take the initiative themselves at mealtimes.

Tips for Parents:

• Let the baby set the pace – it increases independence and enjoyment of food.
• Continue to introduce different flavors and consistencies.

1–2 Years: Advanced Chewing

The baby's lower jaw learns rotating chewing motions, and the baby can bite off softer food.

• The tongue and lips are used more actively.
• The baby can lick around the mouth and pucker their lips.

Tips for Parents:

• Introduce food that requires chewing.
• Continue to offer variety, even if the baby is sometimes skeptical.
• Eat together – the baby learns through observation.

2–3 Years: The Omnivore Begins to Form

Most children can now eat most things, but some still don't want to try everything.

• Social skills develop in parallel with eating habits.
• Older siblings or adults are important role models at mealtimes.

Tips for Parents:

• Continue to offer different dishes and consistencies.
• Create shared mealtime routines.
• Respect the child's will – coercion often creates resistance.

When Extra Support May Be Needed

Some children may need more time and training to chew, swallow, or eat a varied diet.

• If the child has difficulty with chewing, swallowing, or leakage – contact a pediatrician.
• If needed, a speech therapist or dietitian can provide advice and guidance for feeding development.