Observe the infant during meals times and with a bottle. Watch the movements of the lips, tongue, and jaw.
At another time give the infant a bottle.
The child can hold and drink a whole bottle of liquid.
The infant is now combining movements of fingers, hands, and wrists, as well as lips, tongue, and jaw. This allows the infant to grade movements and have more control over self-feeding. Although it is undoubtedly easier (and less messy) to feed the infant, encourage parents to let children help.
 North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, 2015
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