My Baby Chews Food Then Spits It Out
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rachel Kim, MD, RDN · Pediatric Nutrition Specialist
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Feeding challenges are one of the most common concerns new parents face. When it comes to chews food then spits it out, here is what the guidelines recommend.
The short answer
Chewing food and spitting it out is a common behavior, especially in babies learning new textures. It can be part of sensory exploration, a sign of texture difficulty, or simply a way of testing new foods. Many babies accept the food after several exposures. As long as your baby is eating enough overall, occasional spitting is not a concern.
Key takeaways
- Chewing food and spitting it out is a common behavior, especially in babies learning new textures. It can be part of sensory exploration, a sign of texture difficulty, or simply a way of testing new foods. Many babies accept the food after several exposures. As long as your baby is eating enough overall, occasional spitting is not a concern.
- Usually normal when: Baby spits out some foods but swallows others during the same meal
- Call your doctor if: Baby appears to be unable to swallow food even when trying
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, for 2 years or beyond.”
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, chewing food and spitting it out is a common behavior, especially in babies learning new textures. It can be part of sensory exploration, a sign of texture difficulty, or simply a way of testing new foods. Many babies accept the food after several exposures. As long as your baby is eating enough overall, occasional spitting is not a concern. At 0-3 months, not applicable for this age group. It is generally considered normal when baby spits out some foods but swallows others during the same meal. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if baby appears to be unable to swallow food even when trying.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Not applicable for this age group.
4-6 months
Babies just starting solids often push food out of their mouth with their tongue. This is the tongue-thrust reflex, not intentional spitting. It does not mean baby dislikes the food.
6-9 months
As babies explore new textures, chewing and spitting is very common. They are learning what textures they can manage and what feels comfortable. This is actually a positive sign that baby is exploring food safely. Continue offering the same foods and baby may eventually swallow them.
9-12 months
Some babies chew and spit because they are still developing the oral motor coordination to swallow certain textures. Others are simply being cautious with unfamiliar foods. Research shows it can take 10-15 exposures to a new food before a baby accepts it. Keep offering without pressure.
12-24 months
Toddlers may chew and spit for many reasons including not liking the taste, texture sensitivity, or seeking control. If your toddler spits out most foods and is not eating enough to support growth, discuss with your pediatrician. If they spit some foods but eat enough overall, this is typically a phase.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed chews food then spits it out and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if baby spits out all solid foods and is not progressing with eating.
- Mention if baby seems to want to swallow but cannot manage to do so.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Baby spits out some foods but swallows others during the same meal
- Baby spits out a new food the first few times but eventually accepts it
- Baby is gaining weight normally despite spitting out some food
- Baby seems to be exploring the taste and texture before deciding to swallow
- Baby spits out all solid foods and is not progressing with eating
- Baby seems to want to swallow but cannot manage to do so
- Baby is not gaining weight well because they spit out most food
- Baby appears to be unable to swallow food even when trying
- Baby is showing signs of pain or distress when attempting to swallow
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice chews food then spits it out — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that baby spits out some foods but swallows others during the same meal — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Offer feeding in a calm, distraction-free environment. Avoid forcing or pressuring your baby to eat.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if baby appears to be unable to swallow food even when trying.
Related Conditions
My Baby Holds Food in Their Mouth
Food pocketing - when a baby holds food in their cheeks or mouth without swallowing - is common and can happen for several reasons: still learning to chew and swallow, oral motor delays, sensory issues with certain textures, or simply not being hungry. Occasional pocketing is normal during the learning phase, but if it happens consistently or your baby seems unable to clear food from their mouth, it may indicate a feeding skill delay worth discussing with your pediatrician.
My Baby Stores Food in Their Cheeks
Pocketing food in the cheeks is relatively common and can be caused by reduced oral awareness, difficulty with the tongue movements needed to move food to the back of the mouth for swallowing, or sensory sensitivities. While occasional pocketing is normal as babies learn to eat, persistent pocketing should be discussed with your pediatrician.
Baby Spitting Out Solid Foods
Babies spitting out food when they first start solids is one of the most normal things in feeding development. Young babies have a tongue thrust reflex that pushes food out of their mouth - this is actually a protective mechanism. As your baby matures and practices, this reflex fades and they learn to move food to the back of their mouth for swallowing. It can take many exposures before a baby accepts a new food, so patience and consistency are key.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Feeding & Nutrition Guide
Complete guide to breastfeeding, formula feeding, and solid food introduction.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is chews food then spits it out normal?
When should I call the doctor about chews food then spits it out?
When is chews food then spits it out normal?
What causes chews food then spits it out?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about chews food then spits it out?
Is chews food then spits it out normal at 0-3 months?
Is chews food then spits it out normal at 4-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for chews food then spits it out?
Does chews food then spits it out go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Chews Food Then Spits It Out.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed chews food then spits it out and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if baby spits out all solid foods and is not progressing with eating.
- Mention if baby seems to want to swallow but cannot manage to do so.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Baby spits out all solid foods and is not progressing with eating
- Baby seems to want to swallow but cannot manage to do so
- Baby is not gaining weight well because they spit out most food
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Baby appears to be unable to swallow food even when trying
- Baby is showing signs of pain or distress when attempting to swallow
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of chews food then spits it out are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if baby appears to be unable to swallow food even when trying.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Feeding Concerns
My Baby Holds Food in Their Mouth
Food pocketing - when a baby holds food in their cheeks or mouth without swallowing - is common and can happen for several reasons: still learning to chew and swallow, oral motor delays, sensory issues with certain textures, or simply not being hungry. Occasional pocketing is normal during the learning phase, but if it happens consistently or your baby seems unable to clear food from their mouth, it may indicate a feeding skill delay worth discussing with your pediatrician.
My Baby Stores Food in Their Cheeks
Pocketing food in the cheeks is relatively common and can be caused by reduced oral awareness, difficulty with the tongue movements needed to move food to the back of the mouth for swallowing, or sensory sensitivities. While occasional pocketing is normal as babies learn to eat, persistent pocketing should be discussed with your pediatrician.
Baby Spitting Out Solid Foods
Babies spitting out food when they first start solids is one of the most normal things in feeding development. Young babies have a tongue thrust reflex that pushes food out of their mouth - this is actually a protective mechanism. As your baby matures and practices, this reflex fades and they learn to move food to the back of their mouth for swallowing. It can take many exposures before a baby accepts a new food, so patience and consistency are key.
When to Introduce Allergens to Baby
Current guidelines recommend introducing common allergens (peanut, egg, cow's milk products, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame) starting around 4-6 months when your baby is developmentally ready for solids. The landmark LEAP study showed that early introduction of peanuts (by 4-6 months) reduced peanut allergy risk by 80% in high-risk infants. Do not delay allergens - the old advice to wait until 1-3 years has been reversed because early exposure actually prevents allergies.
I'm Worried My Baby Is Aspirating During Feeds
Aspiration means liquid or food enters the airway instead of the stomach. Occasional coughing during feeds is common and does not usually indicate aspiration. True aspiration is less common and may present as recurrent respiratory infections, a wet or gurgly voice after feeds, or chronic cough. If you are concerned, a swallow study can provide a definitive answer.
When Does My Baby Need Amino Acid Formula?
Amino acid-based formulas (also called elemental formulas) are prescribed for babies with severe cow's milk protein allergy, multiple food protein intolerances, or conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis who cannot tolerate standard or extensively hydrolyzed formulas. They are the most hypoallergenic formula available because the proteins are broken down into individual amino acids, making allergic reactions virtually impossible.