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.

Is infant feeding or early communication therapy covered by insurance or Medicaid?

Many insurance plans cover infant feeding and communication therapy. Visit our Insurance & Payment page (https://www.speechsolutions.co/helpful-information)for details.

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

Red Flags

Struggles to latch or stay latched
Frequently coughs or chokes during feeding
Makes very few sounds
Rarely looks at your face
Seems excessively sleepy or disinterested in feeding

3-6 Months

Feeding and Oral Motor Development

Show early “munching” movement
Move the jaw side-to-side
Reach for and mouth toys
Open mouth when spoon approaches lips
Explore early solid textures (doctor-approved)

Communication
Skills

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

Red Flags

Little to no babbling
Trouble managing thicker milk or early purees
Gagging on spoon introduction
Limited eye contact or social smiles

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

Red Flags

No meaningful words by 12 months
Not using gestures
Limited sound imitation
Difficulty transitioning to table foods
Persistent gagging or choking

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

Red Flags

No consonant sounds
Difficulty clearing food from spoon
Frequent coughing or gagging
Not responding to sound or name

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

Red Flags

Difficulty chewing soft solids
Gagging on small pieces
No gestures (pointing, waving)
Minimal vocal play

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
Coughing/choking during feeds
Trouble transitioning to solids
Gagging on textures
Suspected tongue tie
Poor weight gain

Communication Concerns

Not babbling
Limited social engagement
Not responding to name
No gestures by 10–12 months
Very quiet baby

General Concerns

You’re unsure what’s typical
Feeding feels stressful or exhausting
Something “feels off”

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Guiding Families Through Early Communication Development

You’ll learn simple, positive strategies for:

Language modeling
Play routines
Feeding techniques
Reducing frustration

An evaluation does not commit you to therapy—it simply helps clarify what is happening and whether support could help.

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What Support Can Look Like

Feeding & Oral Motor Therapy

Breastfeeding/bottle support

Safer swallowing strategies

Improving tongue, jaw, and lip movement

Introducing solid foods

Texture progression

Reducing stress during mealtimes

Early Communication Support

Encouraging babbling

Strengthening joint attention

Building early imitation skills

Supporting gestures (pointing, waving)

Increasing social engagement

Care Tailored to Your Child

Depending on your child’s needs, therapy may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, feeding and swallowing therapy, and/or myofunctional therapy.

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.