Why would a newborn need a speech therapist?

SLPs support feeding, swallowing, and early communication — not just speech.

Is feeding therapy the same as speech therapy?

Yes. Feeding and swallowing fall under an SLP’s specialized training.

When should a baby start speech therapy?

Any time feeding is difficult or social/communication milestones are delayed.

My baby is not babbling — is this a delay?

Babbling should begin around 6 months. If not, an evaluation can help.

Can a baby have tongue tie issues?

Yes. We help evaluate tongue movement and feeding impact.

Infant Speech & Feeding Therapy (0–12 Months)

Infants
(0-12 Months)

During the first year, rapid growth means even small changes in feeding, sounds, and interaction can be meaningful. These milestones highlight what typically develops month by month.

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Monthly Milestones

0-3 Months

Feeding and Oral Motor Development

Coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing
Respond to touch around their cheeks and mouth
Bring hands to mouth and suck on fingers
Maintain a stable mouth posture during feeding
Use early reflexes like rooting and sucking

Early Communication
Skills

Makes cooing noises
Smiles socially
Turns toward voices
Enjoys “face-to-face” time
Starts basic back-and-forth interaction

Play, Motor, and Interaction Skills

Looks at caregiver’s face during interaction
Tracks people or toys moving with their eyes
Brings hands toward mouth
Begins exploring hands and fingers
Shows early interest in faces and voices
Limited self-soothing such as bringing hands to mouth, sucking on fingers, calming briefly when held or rocked

3-6 Months

Feeding and Oral Motor Development

Maintains coordinated sucking, swallowing, and breathing during feeds
Brings hands or toys to mouth for exploration
Shows interest in the spoon or watching others eat
Begins opening mouth when spoon approaches (closer to 5–6 months)
Starts exploring purees or early solids when developmentally ready

Communication
Skills

Laughs, squeals, and experiments with pitch
Plays with sounds (“aaa,” “ooo”)
Imitates facial expressions
Enjoys sound imitation games

Play, Motor, and Interaction Skills

Reaches for toys or objects
Grasps toys placed in the hand
Tracks people and toys visually
Brings hands or toys to mouth to explore
Begins batting or swiping at toys
Self-soothing start to emerge such as sucking hands or fingers to calm, turning toward familiar voices or caregivers, calming more quickly after distress

10-12 Months

Feeding and Oral Motor Development

Chew soft and some firmer table foods
Take controlled bites
Drink from open or straw cup
Use pincer grasp to self-feed
Eat mashed and chopped foods

Communication
Skills

Say 1–3 meaningful words (like “mama,” “dada,” “ball”)
Use pointing to communicate
Imitate sounds and actions
Follow simple routines (“give me,” “come here”)
Enjoy turn-taking games

Play, Motor & Interaction Skills

Searches for hidden objects
Points with index finger to show interest
Shows or gives toys to caregivers
Enjoys simple cause-and-effect toys
Self-soothing becomes more noticeable such as using a comfort object (blanket, toy), calming with familiar routines, settling after brief distress

6-8 Months

Feeding and Oral Motor Development

Move food from the center of the tongue to the sides
Begin coordinated chewing
Accept purees easily
Open mouth consistently for spoon feeding
Attempt early cup drinking

Communication
Skills

Babble with consonants (“ba,” “ma,” “da”)
Combine sounds (“bababa,” “dadada”)
Recognize their name
Show excitement through vocal play

Play, Motor & Interaction Skills

Transfers toys from one hand to the other
Reaches across the body for toys
Explores toys by shaking, banging, or dropping
Begins simple cause-and-effect play
Self-soothing becomes more noticeable such as using a comfort object (blanket, toy), calming with familiar routines, settling after brief distress

8-10 Months

Feeding and Oral Motor Development

Chew soft solids
Self-feed finger foods
Drink from a straw or sippy cup
Manage thicker textures
Show interest in table foods

Communication
Skills

Make longer babble strings with varied intonation
Use gestures like pointing or reaching
Understand simple words (“no,” “bye-bye”)
Engage in more complex back-and-forth interaction

Play, Motor & Interaction Skills

Searches for partially hidden toys
Uses both hands together during play
Explores toys in different ways
Begins crawling or moving to reach objects
Self-soothing becomes more noticeable such as using a comfort object (blanket, toy), calming with familiar routines, settling after brief distress

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn how early support can help your baby thrive.

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Common Reasons Families
Seek Therapy

These concerns are very common—and early support can make a big difference.

Feeding Concerns

Difficulty breast or bottle feeding
Trouble staying latched or finishing feeds
Frequent coughing, choking, or gagging during feeds
Difficulty transitioning to purees or solids
Concerns about tongue tie or oral motor coordination
Poor weight gain or very long feeding times

Communication Concerns

Baby makes very few sounds or vocalizations
Limited response to voices or name
Little back-and-forth interaction
Not using gestures like waving, pointing, or reaching to communicate

Play, Motor & Interaction Concerns

Limited eye contact or engagement
Not reaching for or exploring toys
Limited interest in play or cause-and-effect toys
Difficulty using both hands during play
Not showing or sharing objects with caregivers

General Concerns

You’re unsure what’s typical for this age
Feeding or interaction feels stressful or exhausting
Your baby seems unusually quiet or disengaged
Something about development just doesn’t feel right

FAQs

Infants develop feeding and communication skills quickly, and even small challenges can feel overwhelming. Our team specializes in evaluating and treating early feeding and communication concerns. Below are answers to common questions we hear from families during the first year.

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Don't Navigate Alone

If feeding feels stressful, your baby isn’t babbling, or you’re unsure what’s typical, trust your instincts. Early support makes a big difference — and we’re here to help.

Infants (0-12 Months)

Monthly Milestones

0-3 Months

Feeding and Oral Motor Development

Early Communication Skills

Play, Motor, and Interaction Skills

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn how early support can help your baby thrive.

Common Reasons Families Seek Therapy

Feeding Concerns

Communication Concerns

Play, Motor & Interaction Concerns

General Concerns

FAQs

Why would a newborn need a speech therapist?

Is feeding therapy the same as speech therapy?

When should a baby start speech therapy?

My baby is not babbling — is this a delay?

Can a baby have tongue tie issues?

Don't Navigate Alone

Menu

Infants
(0-12 Months)

Early Communication
Skills

Common Reasons Families
Seek Therapy