The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne

Feeding development and difficulties

Reflex	Stimulation	Action - Purpose for feeding	Duration
Rooting	Touching of the cheek or side of the mouth	Baby turns to the source and opens mouth. Is able to seek the breast or bottle	3-4 months
Suck- swallow	Touching of the mouth	Baby sucks rhythmically on the object – finger nipple or teat. Sucking is coordinated with swallow Enables infant to feed safely in a very reclined position	3-4 months
Tongue-thrust	Touching of the lips	Tongue moves forward out of the mouth. Assists with feeding from breast or bottle but not solid foods. Protects against choking	5-6 months
Gag	Placing an object towards back of the mouth	Object is expelled from back of mouth by the tongue. Protects against choking.	Reduces to triggering on the back third of the tongue at around 6 months.