As your little one grows, so does their mouth! From cooing and chewing to sipping and smiling, every tongue wag and lip pucker plays a role in their feeding journey. This month, we’re focusing on oral motor milestones—those small but mighty mouth movements that help babies eat, drink, and talk.

Let’s look at two key ages: 10 months and 20 months.

10 Months: Building the Basics

At this stage, babies are getting braver with new textures and tastes. You may notice your child:

• Sticking their tongue out (forward and slightly to the sides)

• Mouthing toys and hands – building oral awareness

• Mashing food with gums – especially soft solids

• Starting to self-feed with fingers (hello, mess!)

• Sucking from a straw or open cup (with help)

What to try at home:

• Offer dissolvable solids (like soft puffs)

• Let them play with shallow spoons dipped in yogurt or pudding

• Practice blowing – bubbles, raspberries, or kisses!

20 Months: Mastering Movement

By 20 months, toddlers are refining those mouth muscles and preparing for more advanced eating and early speech.

You should start to see:

• Tongue moving side to side inside the mouth

• Tongue reaching lips to lick food off (top and bottom)

• Improved spoon use and drinking from open cup with minimal spillage

• More babbling and attempts at words (oral motor skills support speech!)

• Biting into firmer textures like soft fruit slices or well-cooked veggies

At-home tips:

• Let them lick yogurt off a plate with just their tongue – silly but helpful!

• Use a mirror during meals or brushing to model tongue movements

• Try “food painting” with chocolate pudding or applesauce to encourage licking, reaching, and fun

Why These Movements Matter

Strong, coordinated mouth muscles don’t just help with feeding—they’re the foundation for speech, safety while swallowing, and the confidence to try new things!

Need help with feeding milestones?

Our team at the Star Center Foundation is here to support your family. Whether your little one is a picky eater, has oral motor delays, or you're just unsure, we offer compassionate guidance, parent education, and hands-on support.

Call us at 216-320-2456

Visit: www.starcenterfoundation.org

With Warm Regards, Esther A. L. Verbovszky, M.A. CCC-SLP Str Center Foundation