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The tables serve as a guideline. Variation in development is normal.

Tables reflect key areas in development of normal feeding skills. Motor control describes the gross and fine motor patterns that allow the child the postural stability and resulting mobility for eventual independent feeding. Oral motor skills are defined as patterns of the lips, tongue, jaw and cheeks used for eating, drinking, facial expressions, and speech (Beckman, 1995). Oral intake refers to the type of nourishment the child is receiving. Lastly, self-feeding skills reflect the sensori-motor and cognitive abilities that dictate the level at which the child participates in feeding.