5 Essentials for Feeding
Nov 10, 2026
As many of us sit down at a table to eat with friends and family, we forget how easy it is for us to 'eat'. This skill comes before walking. Most of us are unaware of this amazing skill.
There are key pre-feeding skills that need to take place.
1- Cavitation. Many think of sucking as an infantile reflex pattern. I have found that it's one of our key gravitational responses. As the skull subluxation occurs during a vaginal delivery, a vacuum is created, and the tongue snaps to open up the lung cavities. Very similar science to a champagne cork response.
2-Various forms of nursing and bottle feedings need to be experienced bilaterally. It's just as important to feed to the right as it is to the left. This is important to know if you only bottle feed your child.
3-Rolling and tummy time start essential tongue movements as a baby babbles in all directions. If your baby is not doing these skills by 3 months of age, please get your child evaluated; early is critical.
4-Pubic Bone Strike - 'Tummy Time' at 4.5 months. As the strike happens, the tongue is able to counter and protrude out of the mouth. This gives a child ample opportunity to swallow. This is why a child starts to mature into nibbles.
5-Sitting and the vertical feed. A baby cannot eat in an upright position if they can't sit. This is not being placed into sitting (I'll describe that in the next of these posts). When a baby can adjust or transfer weight from their back at 6.5 months, they are ready to acquire a full swallow.
If you have any concerns about your baby's health, contact your pediatrician. If you would like to enhance your baby's essential movements, schedule your Movement Lesson today.
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