Explain Changes in feeding behaviour of infants?

On maturation of neuro-muscular system, the body is able to coordinate sucking, swallowing and breathing. Till about three month, the baby moves tongue up and down and if a solid food is placed on the tongue, the food is pushed out (extrusion reflex), Between 3 to 4 months, the tongue movement changes and the child is able to swallow. By 6 months, the baby is able to chew.

The psycho social changes determine the feeding pattern. An infant identifies with his mother but a preschooler develops a sense of individuality and imagination. Preschooler is in a period of sex identification and hence boys imitate father and girls imitate mother. Hence, parents should inculcate and display healthy attitudes at mealtime.