Developmental Milestones

0-1 Months:

• Has developed the rooting reflex - When an infant is touched or stroked on their cheek they will move their head in that direction and open their mouth wide.
• Has developed the suck swallow breathe reflex - Infants develop this sequence in order to coordinate their breathing with sucking milk as they cannot do both at the same time.
• Will take at least two sucks before breathing during the suck swallow breathe reflex.
• May lose liquid from the sides of their mouth.
• Minimum of 6-8 feedings in a day of 2-4 ounces.

2-4 Months:

• Will bring hands to their mouth.
• Will have approximately 4-6 feedings per day of 4-7 ounces.
• Will be able to take 20 sucks before stopping to breathe.

5-6 Months:

• Will start to pat the bottle or source of milk during feeding.
• Will start to eat small amounts of pureed foods from a spoon.
• Will take 9-10 ounces of food or liquid per feed.
• Will start to bite or suck on baby biscuits.
• May use some up down chewing movements.
• Gag reflex will start to diminish around 6-7 months allowing baby to eat more chunky foods.

Ideas for Learning and Growth

• Respond positively to your baby. Act excited, smile, and talk to him when he makes sounds. This teaches him to take turns “talking” back and forth in conversation.
• Talk, read, and sing to your baby to help her develop and understand language.
• Spend time cuddling and holding your baby. This will help him feel safe and cared for. You will not spoil your baby by holding or responding to him.
• Being responsive to your baby helps him learn and grow. Limiting your screen time when you are with your baby helps you be responsive.
• Feed only breast milk or formula to your baby. Babies are not ready for other foods, water or other drinks for about the first 6 months of life.
• Learn when your baby is hungry by looking for signs. Watch for signs of hunger, such as putting hands to mouth, turning head toward breast/bottle, or smacking/licking lips.
• Look for signs your baby is full, such as closing her mouth or turning her head away from the breast/bottle. If your baby is not hungry, it’s ok to stop feeding.
• Have routines for sleeping and feeding. This will help your baby begin to learn what to expect.

Concerns

• Is there anything your infant does or does not do that concerns you?
• Has your infant lost any skills he/she once had?
• Does your infant have any special healthcare needs or was he/she born prematurely?

If your infant is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. Talk with your infant’s doctor, share your concerns, and ask about a developmental screening.

If you or the doctor are still concerned:

• Ask for a referral to a specialist who can evaluate your infant more.
• If the evaluation still shows concerns call your state Early Intervention program to find out if your infant can get services to help. Learn more and find the number at Missouri First Steps Program.