Speech, Language, and Feeding Milestones: Is Your Child on Track?

 

 

 

Worried about your child’s speech and feeding development? You’re not alone. With so much conflicting advice out there, it’s hard to know what’s normal. Is your child on track, or do we need to seek out a professional? Our quick assessment will help you cut through the confusion. In just minutes, you’ll know if it’s time to reach out to a speech, language, or feeding specialist.

Has your child has reached these milestones:

By 12 months

Speech & Language:

• Responds to words such as their name, others’ names, favorite toys, foods, etc.
• Uses simple gestures like waving “bye-bye”
• Makes sounds like “mama,” “dada”
• Tries to imitate words or studies your mouth while you’re talking

 

Feeding/Oral Motor Skills:

• Has stopped using bottle and pacifier (ideally by 12 months); uses straw or open cup
• Eats soft, mashed foods without coughing or gagging
• Picks up small pieces of food with thumb and forefinger
• Moves food in mouth with tongue without using their fingers

By 18 months

Speech & Language:

• Uses several single words with meaning (e.g., ‘Mama’ and ‘Dada’ refer to parents, not just babbling)
• Points with index finger, not just open hand, to show what they want
• Follows simple one-step directions (i.e. Get your shoes, give me 5)
• Uses various consonant sounds (b, d, m, p, n, t) at the beginning of words, paired with different vowels

Feeding/Oral Motor Skills

• Uses a spoon with a little help
• Drinks from a straw without biting, maintaining good lip rounding
• Chews a variety of textures including meats, vegetables, grains, fruits, and mixed consistencies (e.g., soups, pasta dishes)
• Eats and drinks without gagging or coughing

 

By 24 months

Speech & Language:

• Uses 2-word phrases (e.g., “more milk”)
• Follows 2 step simple instructions (e.g., pick up the ball and bring it to me)
• Can name simple items such as animals and body parts
• Understands simple “wh” questions (i.e. where is mommy?)

Feeding/Oral Motor Skills:

• Uses a fork with little help
• Can move there tongue up and down without moving their jaw
• Eats most foods offered to the family
• Can sit at the table for about 15-20 minutes at mealtimes with a little encouragement

 

By 3 years

Speech & Language:

• Speaks in 3-word sentences with meaning (not just echoing others)
• Understands simple direction words (in, on, under)
• Pronounces beginning and ending sounds of words clearly (e.g., ‘cat’ has distinct ‘c’ and ‘t’ sound)
• Close family and caregivers understand most of what they say

Feeding/Oral Motor:

• Sits at the table for meals
• Tries most new foods with encouragement
• Able to complete a meal in about 20-30 minutes.
• Can complete this tongue screener

By 4 years

Speech & Language:

• Tells simple stories about their day
• Speaks clearly enough for most people to understand, even those unfamiliar with the child
• Uses pronouns (I, you, me, we, they) correctly
• Consistently produces /p, b, m, n, h, w, d, t, k, g, f, y/ sounds clearly; and is developing /r, l, s, z, ch, sh, v/ sounds

Feeding/Oral Motor:

• Uses utensils independently without help
• Participates in family mealtime conversations
• Shows awareness of hunger and fullness cues

 

By 5 years

Speech & Language:

• Speaks in complete sentences of 5-6 words
• Uses most speech sounds correctly in everyday talk. May still mix up ‘r’ and ‘th’ sounds in sentences but can say them by themselves
• Understands time concepts (yesterday, today, tomorrow)

Feeding/Oral Motor:

• Uses a knife for spreading and cutting soft foods
• Tries a wider variety of new foods

 

If you answered “No” to any of these milestones, it might be time to consult a speech-language pathologist or feeding specialist.

Other Signs That Your Child Might Need Help

• Uses words without real meaning (e.g., echoes TV shows or labels objects but doesn’t use words to communicate wants and needs)
• Gags frequently when eating (after 12 months old)
• Chokes on foods or liquids (this is never normal)
• Not speaking by age 2
• Has trouble chewing or swallowing

Why Early Intervention Matters

Research shows early intervention significantly improves outcomes for children with speech, language, or feeding delays. At Bayside Therapy Specialists, we collaborate with other professionals to address underlying causes. For example, your child might need PE tubes for recurring ear infections, or adenoid removal for open mouth posture and weak jaw muscles. We want to make the right referrals to help your child. By identifying these issues early, we may reduce years of therapy or guide you to the appropriate specialists for more serious concerns.

Don’t wait and wonder – get answers now! If you have any concerns about your child’s speech, language, or feeding, schedule an evaluation today. We accept most Medicaid and insurance plans, so there’s no need to delay. Take the first step towards your child’s success – call Bayside Therapy Specialists for a comprehensive assessment. Early action can make all the difference!