A newborn is born without enough core strength to support their spine in one continuous column from the sacrum right up to the head. Core strength develops over time (starting with tummy time post-birth) to stabilise the spine and keep their head in line with their torso during a pull-to-sit test between 4-6 months of age.

The mouth’s function relies on good body alignment. Muscle groups that cross multiple joints work together to achieve coordinated movement. But compete with one another to adapt and complete a set task.

Head and trunk stability during feeding ensures swallowing and reduces the risk of aspiration. At approximately 6 months of age, their trunk control should enable them to sit in a highchair. If the head is unstable due to poor trunk control, the tongue and jaw movements necessary for feeding and swallowing are impaired.

The ideal sitting position is with the hips and knees at 90 degrees, with the body weight evenly distributed. This postural control and pelvic stability help maintain an upright, stable position during mealtimes, support oral-motor skills, and prevent choking.

Fine Motor Development

Primitive reflexes such as Grasp, Moro (startle), Babinski, and stepping are present from birth and form the foundation for motor development. The presence of these reflexes helps the infant survive and explore their environment, and they begin to integrate as the infant’s brain matures.

Fine-tuning and strengthening these muscles involve the hand muscles to coordinate finger movement. Picking up small pieces of food initially at 6 months with a scooping action (use the side of their hand and use fingers to pick up the food). The pincer movement (seen below in the picture) requires pressing the thumb and index finger together at around 8 months and refined by 12 months. The pincer control is the final stage of fine motor development. Fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination are necessary to pick up food and transfer it to the mouth.

Notice, Consider, Reflect, Respond

Taking a moment to pause and notice the development that is taking place. Observing what is happening when the infant progresses and reaches important milestones. These everyday moments, the focus on food and eating is a quiet learning space.

References

All pictures are used under license