#asktheexpert hi my baby not chewing much, he is swallowing everything, what to do?

1 Answer

POOJA KOTHARIMom of a 8 yr 6 m old boy7 months ago

A. If your 11-month-old baby is swallowing everything and not achieving much in terms of milestones, it could be due to sensory exploration (which is normal at this age) or developmental delays. Here’s what you can do: 1. Understanding the Swallowing Behavior ✅ Babies at this age explore by putting things in their mouths—it’s a natural phase. ✅ However, if the baby isn’t showing much progress in motor skills, speech, or interaction, it's worth monitoring. 2. Activities to Improve Development ✔ Encourage Fine Motor Skills Offer small, soft finger foods (banana, boiled carrot) to encourage chewing. Give stacking toys, soft blocks, and shape sorters. Let the baby pick up objects using thumb & forefinger (pincer grasp). ✔ Boost Cognitive & Speech Development Talk to your baby often, use simple words and gestures. Read colorful books and sing rhymes. Encourage eye contact and response to their name. ✔ Gross Motor Development Let baby crawl, stand with support, or cruise along furniture. Play with a ball, push-toy, or walker to promote movement. 3. Red Flags – When to Consult a Doctor? ⚠ If baby isn’t crawling, pulling up to stand, or trying to move independently. ⚠ If baby isn’t responding to their name, making sounds, or babbling. ⚠ If baby is only swallowing food and not trying to chew. ⚠ If baby shows very little interest in surroundings or toys. 4. What You Can Do Right Now? Encourage chewing by giving soft foods like mashed potato, avocado, or boiled peas. Give safe teething toys instead of random objects. Engage in interactive play daily. Check with a pediatrician if delays persist.