Development-based Milestones

The Gerber Nutrition Journey is a unique milestone-based plan with guidance on developmentally appropriate feeding choices. In line with the CDC developmental milestones and the Dietary Guidelines for feeding infants and children, the Gerber Nutrition Journey recommends starting with breastfeeding because breastmilk is the ideal food for babies. Once baby is ready, Gerber can provide guidance on developmentally-appropriate feeding choices.

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Crawler Development

Gross Motor

Crawls with stomach off the floor
May pull self to stand
Struggles to get objects out of reach

Fine Motor

Begins to self-feed finger foods as pincer grasp is developing
Begins to manipulate objects correctly (spoon) but does not use it for self feeding yet
Explores objects with hands and mouth
Can hold lidded cup independently

Oral Motor

Baby making a face with puffed out cheeks with food in their mouth.

Developing tongue lateralization used to move food to jaw line for mashing and chewing
Begins to use jaw to mash and chew food
Begins to track and sort pieces of food in the mouth

Crawler Nutrition

Eating skills

Plays with spoon at mealtime, may bring it to mouth, but does not use it for self-feeding yet
Holds a cup with a lid independently

Spoon of food being held towards a baby with its mouth partially open.

Feeding Tips

3 meals plus 3 snacks per day are general guidelines.

Consider these general guidelines. Manage baby’s intake using hunger and fullness cues.

Start introducing more textures to baby. Foods should be soft and bite-sized - think small cubes or dices.

Build on flavor variety with texture variety - thickly mashed food with little pieces of soft-cooked veggies mixed in are fun try.

Baby is also ready to try finger foods made for babies that dissolve quickly in the mouth.

Dietary variety is the best way to ensure a child gets adequate nutrition and can help minimize exposure to any one heavy metal. View the BabyMatters^™ Understanding Heavy Metals series for more information and tips.

Keep in mind

Infant cereal is still an excellent source of iron and can be mixed in a range of textures
View our resource Why babies shouldn’t skip infant cereal open_in_new

Hunger Cues

Shows excitement when food is presented
Makes noise to get parent’s attention: cry, fuss, kick legs, bang toys on tray, etc.
Puts things into mouth: fingers, cup, toys
Focuses on feeding; watches parent prepare, bring, dish and spoon the food

I'm hungry!