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Pediatric Feeding & Swallowing Milestones

Birth to 1 Month Old

  • Suckle on nipple
  • Nose breathing
  • Presence of rooting reflex
  • Incomplete lip closure

2 Months Old

  • Suckling pattern
  • Mouth opens in anticipation of feeding
  • Improved lip closure

3 Months Old

  • Continues feeding via nipple
  • Orientation to midline
  • Liquids only

4 Months Old

  • Voluntary control of mouth
  • Pursing of lips

5 Months Old

  • Liquids and purees
  • Sucking pattern used with spoon
  • Gagging with new textures

6 Months Old

  • Lip closure increased
  • Gag reflex reduced
  • Rooting reflex disappears

7 to 9 Months Old

  • Lower lip used to stabilize cup drinking
  • Mouth closure around top of cup
  • Drooling with teething

10 to 12 Months Old

  • Independent finger feeding
  • Increased cup drinking as weaned from nipple
  • Removes from spoon using lips

13 to 18 Months Old

  • Consumes all textures
  • Can drink using straw

19 to 24 Months Old

  • Primarily self-feeding
  • Swallows with lip closure
  • Rotary chewing predominates

25 to 36 Months Old

  • Completely self-feeding
  • Uses fork independently
  • Holds cup with one hand
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Parent Testimonials
As a parent of a child with autism, I've always wanted him to be able to create meaningful friendships with kids his age. From the first time my son walked into Summit Pediatric Therapy, he was made to feel warm and welcome. His pediatric therapists worked tirelessly to help him develop the skills to start creating friendships. We are thankful for the life skills they helped him develop.
Summit Pediatric Therapy
2018-07-09T15:29:05-06:00
“Provider of Pediatric Speech, Occupational, Physical & Feeding Therapy to patients throughout Aurora, Centennial, Denver & Littleton”
As a parent of a child with autism, I’ve always wanted him to be able to create meaningful friendships with kids his age. From the first time my son walked into Summit Pediatric Therapy, he was made to feel warm and welcome. His pediatric therapists …
This letter was provided to Speech-Language Pathologist, Tara Lujan, MA, CCC-SLP

Summit Pediatric Therapy
2019-07-10T10:52:16-06:00
“Provider of Pediatric Speech, Occupational, Physical & Feeding Therapy to patients throughout Aurora, Centennial, Denver & Littleton”
This letter was provided to Speech-Language Pathologist, Tara Lujan, MA, CCC-SLP
Alex Bresler, MA, CCC-SLP is amazing. Lauren loves her and she has been so patient with her and really worked hard to build a positive relationship.
Summit Pediatric Therapy
2019-06-13T09:17:41-06:00
“Provider of Pediatric Speech, Occupational, Physical & Feeding Therapy to patients throughout Aurora, Centennial, Denver & Littleton”
Alex Bresler, MA, CCC-SLP is amazing. Lauren loves her and she has been so patient with her and really worked hard to build a positive relationship.
Maggie Henrksen, MA, CCC-SLP is amazing and extremely professional and proactive. My son loves going to talk with each week. Both the school and I have seen great progress with my son!

Very Happy - Thank you!!
Summit Pediatric Therapy
2019-06-13T08:37:52-06:00
“Provider of Pediatric Speech, Occupational, Physical & Feeding Therapy to patients throughout Aurora, Centennial, Denver & Littleton”
Maggie Henrksen, MA, CCC-SLP is amazing and extremely professional and proactive. My son loves going to talk with each week. Both the school and I have seen great progress with my son! Very Happy – Thank you!!
Claire Beynon-Powell, MS, CCC-SLP is great with my 13 year old. She respects him and never talks down to him.
Summit Pediatric Therapy
2019-06-13T08:40:37-06:00
“Provider of Pediatric Speech, Occupational, Physical & Feeding Therapy to patients throughout Aurora, Centennial, Denver & Littleton”
Claire Beynon-Powell, MS, CCC-SLP is great with my 13 year old. She respects him and never talks down to him.
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Summit Pediatric Therapy

Summit Pediatric Therapy - Clinic Locations

Aurora, CO

6155 S Main Street
Suite 200
Aurora, CO 80016

Centennial, CO

6851 S Holly Circle
Suite 290
Centennial, CO 80112

Denver, CO

720 S Colorado Blvd
Suite 150-A
Denver, CO 80246

Littleton, CO

9200 W Cross Drive
Suite 120
Littleton, CO 80123

Parker, CO

12760 Stroh Ranch Way
Suite 205
Parker, CO 80134

Westminster, CO

12110 N Pecos Street
Suite 250
Westminster, CO 80234

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