Children go through several developmental stages while learning to chew. These stages include:
- sucking and munching,
- chewing with a purpose and
- lateral and circular jaw movements.
Around 3 years of age children begin to develop a rotational chewing movement. Some developmental milestones include:
- Hands to breast or bottle – usually by 6 months
- Food to mouth -leading to self-feeding by 9 months
- Beginning of side-to-side chewing by 12 months
- Drinking from a sippy cup with assistance by 18 months
- Beginning chewing with closed mouth to stop food from falling out of mouth -18 months.
- Good swallowing pattern after sucking -18 months
- Diagonal rotary chewing pattern – typically by 3 years
At Perth Speech Therapy we may use foods such as transitional foods to help with chewing. Transitional Foods are:
Foods that start as one texture but change into another texture when moisture like water or saliva is added or when a change in temperature occurs (for instance, when the food is heated) In these foods some chewing is required. Tongue pressure can also be used to break these foods once the texture has been changed by moisture/saliva or temperature. Examples of transitional foods include: Potato sticks, corn puffs, jelly and ice cream.
If your child is having difficulty with any of these developmental milestones or is struggling with feeding or food related issues, please contact us at Perth Speech Therapy. We have clinicians who are trained in feeding therapy who are ready to support you and your child.
📞 Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation.