Baby Not Chewing Food
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rachel Kim, MD, RDN · Pediatric Nutrition Specialist
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC, AAP guidelines
Last reviewed:
Feeding challenges are one of the most common concerns new parents face. When it comes to baby not chewing food, here is what the guidelines recommend.
The short answer
Learning to chew is a developmental skill that babies build gradually over several months. Babies do not need teeth to chew; their gums are remarkably strong and effective at mashing soft foods. Most babies begin making chewing motions around 6 to 7 months and become more proficient by 9 to 12 months. If your baby seems to swallow food without chewing, it is usually a sign they need more practice with textured foods.
Key takeaways
- Learning to chew is a developmental skill that babies build gradually over several months. Babies do not need teeth to chew; their gums are remarkably strong and effective at mashing soft foods. Most babies begin making chewing motions around 6 to 7 months and become more proficient by 9 to 12 months. If your baby seems to swallow food without chewing, it is usually a sign they need more practice with textured foods.
- Usually normal when: Your baby under 9 months gums soft food and swallows without visible chewing motions
- Call your doctor if: Your baby frequently chokes on foods that are appropriate for their age and texture level
- 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.”
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, CDC guidelines, learning to chew is a developmental skill that babies build gradually over several months. Babies do not need teeth to chew; their gums are remarkably strong and effective at mashing soft foods. Most babies begin making chewing motions around 6 to 7 months and become more proficient by 9 to 12 months. If your baby seems to swallow food without chewing, it is usually a sign they need more practice with textured foods. At 6-7 months, babies at this age are just beginning to develop munching patterns, which is an up-and-down jaw movement rather than the rotary chewing adults use. Offering soft, dissolvable foods like puffs or very soft cooked vegetables helps them practice. It is completely normal for them to gum food and swallow pieces that are soft enough without much actual chewing. It is generally considered normal when your baby under 9 months gums soft food and swallows without visible chewing motions. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby frequently chokes on foods that are appropriate for their age and texture level.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
6-7 months
Babies at this age are just beginning to develop munching patterns, which is an up-and-down jaw movement rather than the rotary chewing adults use. Offering soft, dissolvable foods like puffs or very soft cooked vegetables helps them practice. It is completely normal for them to gum food and swallow pieces that are soft enough without much actual chewing.
7-9 months
You should see a progression from simple munching to more sophisticated jaw movements. Babies start moving food from side to side with their tongue, which is essential for chewing. Offering foods with varied textures, such as soft lumps in purees, soft finger foods, and meltable solids, helps develop these skills. Babies who are kept on only smooth purees too long may have more difficulty progressing.
9-12 months
By this age most babies can handle soft table foods and are developing a rotary chewing pattern. If your baby is still only accepting smooth purees and refusing or gagging on any texture, it is a good idea to talk to your pediatrician. An occupational therapist or speech-language pathologist specializing in feeding can assess oral motor development and provide targeted strategies.
12-18 months
Toddlers should be managing a wide variety of textures by this age, though they may still prefer softer foods. Some toddlers "pocket" food in their cheeks rather than chewing and swallowing it, which can indicate oral motor weakness or sensory issues. If your toddler is not progressing in texture acceptance, a feeding evaluation is recommended.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed baby not chewing food and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby is over 9 months and still gags on anything thicker than smooth puree.
- Mention if your toddler consistently pockets food in their cheeks without swallowing.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby under 9 months gums soft food and swallows without visible chewing motions
- Your baby chews some foods but swallows others whole if they are small and soft enough
- Your baby has only been eating solids for a few weeks and is still learning
- Your baby chews well with finger foods but does not chew purees, which is expected since purees do not require chewing
- Your baby is over 9 months and still gags on anything thicker than smooth puree
- Your toddler consistently pockets food in their cheeks without swallowing
- Your baby seems unable to move food from the front to the back of their mouth
- Your baby is falling behind in other oral motor skills like babbling or drinking from a cup
- Your baby frequently chokes on foods that are appropriate for their age and texture level
- Your baby has difficulty swallowing liquids and seems to aspirate or cough during drinking
- Your child is over 18 months and cannot manage any textured foods beyond purees
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice baby not chewing food — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your baby under 9 months gums soft food and swallows without visible chewing motions — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 6-7 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 your baby frequently chokes on foods that are appropriate for their age and texture level.
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 baby not chewing food normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby not chewing food?
When is baby not chewing food normal?
What causes baby not chewing food?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby not chewing food?
Is baby not chewing food normal at 6-7 months?
Is baby not chewing food normal at 7-9 months?
Should I go to the ER for baby not chewing food?
Does baby not chewing food go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Not Chewing Food.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed baby not chewing food and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby is over 9 months and still gags on anything thicker than smooth puree.
- Mention if your toddler consistently pockets food in their cheeks without swallowing.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your baby is over 9 months and still gags on anything thicker than smooth puree
- Your toddler consistently pockets food in their cheeks without swallowing
- Your baby seems unable to move food from the front to the back of their mouth
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby frequently chokes on foods that are appropriate for their age and texture level
- Your baby has difficulty swallowing liquids and seems to aspirate or cough during drinking
- Your child is over 18 months and cannot manage any textured foods beyond purees
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 baby not chewing food are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby frequently chokes on foods that are appropriate for their age and texture level.
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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