Table 4 - Feeding-related psychosocial milestones: birth to 36 months
From the following article
Swallowing and feeding in infants and young children
Joan C. Arvedson
GI Motility online (2006)
doi:10.1038/gimo17
| Stage | Psychosocial milestones |
|---|---|
Source: Adapted from Chatoor et al.11 | |
| Birth to 3 months | Cues for feeding: arousal, cry, rooting, sucking |
| (homeostasis) | Caregiver responds to cues (leads to self-regulation) Infant quiets to voice Hunger–satiety pattern develops Infant smile promotes interaction with primary caregiver Pleasurable feeding experiences  greater environmental interaction |
| 3 to 6 months (attachment) | Primary interactions—"falling in love" Reciprocity of positive infant and caregiver interactionsConsistent cues Anticipation of feeding Pauses likely socialization, not necessarily for burping or to indicate satiety Smiling, laughing, social, alert Preferred feeders are parents Calls for attention by 6 months |
| 6 to 36 months (Separation/individuation) | Responds to "no" Imitates movements, and gradually imitation of speech Play activity to explore environment (7–9 months) Facial expression used to indicate likes and dislikes Follows simple directions Self-feeding emerges Mealtimes become more predictable Speech becomes important Direction following—gradually 2–3 step commands Mealtimes become part of whole family schedule Rapid increase in language 24–36 months Independent feeding by end of period |
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