Birth–3 mo: Suck–swallow–breathe coordination

Typical foods: Breast milk or formula

4–6 mo: Head control, supported sitting in high chair with straps, opens mouth for spoon,
Uses tongue to move food to back of mouth for swallowing

Typical foods: Thin/smooth purées with no lumps

6–9 mo: Sits with support, munching pattern, brings food to mouth with hand, starts to drink from a cup, but may bite cup edge or straw; some liquid spills out of mouth

Typical foods: Thicker purées, mashed foods, soft dissolvables

9–12 mo: Moves food side to side, begins chewing food on both side of the mouth (rotary chew emerges)

 holds bottle or sippy cup with both hands. Increased self-feeding, 

Sits upright in highchair with minimal assistance.

Holds spoon during meal.

Feeds self with fingers

Typical foods: Soft finger foods, chopped foods

12–18 mo: Rotary chew, uses spoon with help

Typical foods: Most family foods (soft, cut small)

18–24 mo: Efficient chewing, uses utensils

Typical foods: Wide variety of foods