Muscle Group Development Needed For Self-feeding

The muscles directly related to and governing chewing and swallowing in young babies develop gradually and in a coordinated manner. While many infants begin trying solid foods around 6 months of age, the muscles involved in effective chewing and swallowing are not fully developed until much later. Around this age, the swallowing reflex matures, allowing a transition from simple sucking to actual swallowing of solids.

At this stage, the chewing muscles- including the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoids- begin to activate, but they only facilitate a basic up-and-down jaw motion known as munching. Tongue and jaw coordination is still early in development, which is why babies can manage purees and very soft mashed foods, but are not yet able to chew more solid textures. Initially, foods are intentionally soft, designed to be easily mashed by the tongue or gums.

Between 9 and 12 months, these muscles strengthen and become more coordinated, and babies start to develop the rotary (side-to-side) jaw motion required for more complex chewing. During this time, the tongue, lips, and jaw begin to collaborate more effectively, enabling babies to manage soft finger foods and small pieces of food as they keep practicing.

By 18 to 24 months, the muscles responsible for chewing and swallowing are functionally developed for most table foods. The masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles are now coordinated enough to support both rotary and vertical chewing movements. Oral control also improves significantly, making it easier for toddlers to chew, move, and swallow a wider variety of textures. Additionally, the gag reflex typically matures and shifts further back in the mouth, contributing to safer eating.

When a child is 2 1/2 to 3 years old, the muscles used for chewing and swallowing are fully matured and capable of handling all types of solid foods. At this stage, children can manage tougher textures such as raw vegetables, meats, and chewy breads. Their jaw strength and muscle endurance become more similar to adults, although refinement in coordination and control may continue beyond this age.

In summary, babies usually have muscles functional enough for soft solids between 6 and 9 months. These muscles are generally well-developed for most solid foods by 18 to 24 months, and they achieve full maturity for handling complex textures by 2 1/2 to 3 years.