Does Chewing Help Your Baby’s Jaw Develop?
If you’ve ever watched your baby chew on a toy, a spoon, or even your finger, you might have wondered what’s actually going on.
Is it just teething, or is it part of how they develop?
Many parents are encouraged to start with soft foods during weaning. At the same time, babies naturally want to chew. This can feel confusing, especially when advice around textures can seem cautious.
So it’s a fair question to ask. Does chewing actually help your baby’s jaw develop and why should your baby chew more & chew harder?
In this article
- Why chewing matters for development
- What research says about jaw growth
- How chewing supports oral development
- Soft foods compared with resistive foods
- Safe ways to introduce chewing
- Common concerns from parents
- What to avoid
Why chewing matters
Your baby’s mouth is still developing in the first year of life.
Chewing is not just about breaking down food. It activates the jaw, tongue, lips, and cheeks together. Over time, this repeated movement helps build strength and coordination.
These early patterns form the foundation for how your baby eats, swallows, and later, how they speak.
If a baby mostly swallows without chewing, these muscles are used less. That does not mean something is wrong, but it does mean there is less opportunity to practise and strengthen these movements, which are linked to jaw development.
What research says about chewing and jaw development
There is evidence that chewing plays a role in how the jaw develops.
Research comparing diets with different textures has found that foods requiring more chewing lead to greater jaw muscle activity and can influence bone development (Lieberman et al., 2004).
Studies in dental research have also suggested that reduced chewing may limit the level of stimulation needed for full development of the jaw (Kiliaridis, 1995).
In early childhood, feeding behaviour helps shape how the mouth is used. This includes how babies bite, move food, and coordinate swallowing (Palmer, 1998).
The NHS recommends introducing a range of food textures during weaning. This helps babies learn to chew and manage food safely.
(image from Simione et al, 2018; link: Differing structural properties of foods affect the development of mandibular control and muscle coordination in infants and young children - ScienceDirect)
How chewing supports oral development
Chewing does more than build muscle strength.
When a baby chews, the pressure created by the muscles is transferred to the jaw. Over time, this helps guide how the jaw grows and adapts (Kiliaridis, 1995).
This matters because the jaw supports several important functions. It needs enough space and coordination to allow for:
- Teeth to come through in alignment
- The tongue to move freely
- Comfortable swallowing and breathing
Chewing is one of the everyday ways this system is used and stimulated.
It is not the only factor. Genetics, habits, and overall health also play a role. But regular opportunities to chew give the mouth a chance to develop through use.
Soft foods and resistive foods
Most parents begin weaning with soft foods. This often looks like mashed vegetables, porridge, yoghurt, or purées. These are important: they are easy to manage and help babies learn how to swallow safely.
At the same time, they do not require much chewing. In comparison to this, resistive foods offer a different experience. These are foods that a baby can bite on, but not easily break apart straight away.
Examples you might recognise include:
- A large carrot stick that your baby gnaws on but does not finish
- A crust of bread that softens slowly
- A teething biscuit that holds its shape and do not break into pieces easily
In these situations, your baby is not always eating much. What they are doing is practising how to bite and chew.
This is often why babies may seem more engaged with these foods. They are actively using their mouth, rather than just swallowing, which may be a new sensory experience for them.
How to introduce chewing safely
Introducing resistive chewing does not need to be complicated. Start with foods that are large enough to hold and unlikely to break into small pieces. The goal is to allow your baby to explore chewing without increasing risk.
Some parents offer a resistive item alongside a normal meal. For example, spoon-feeding soft foods while the baby also holds and chews on a larger piece of food.
Always stay with your baby while they are eating and watch how they manage different textures.
(guidance from MyLittleEater.com; link: Food sizes and shapes for babies: why bigger is better (and safer) for baby led weaning - My Little Eater)
Common concerns from parents
My baby just sucks or licks the food, they do not chew on it.
This is usually an early stage. Babies often begin with sucking, then move to biting, and gradually develop more controlled chewing movements. This progression happens with more exposure over time.
I am worried about choking.
This is one of the most common concerns. The risk of choking depends on the size, shape, and texture of the food. Large pieces that soften over time are generally easier to manage than small, firm foods that can break off.
Supervision is incredibly important. Staying present and observing how your baby handles food helps you respond quickly if needed.
My baby prefers soft foods and refuses anything else.
This is normal. Some babies take longer to accept new textures. Offering resistive foods regularly, without pressure, usually helps them become more comfortable over time.
Does chewing affect how a baby’s jaw grows?
Chewing provides stimulation to the muscles and bones involved in jaw development. Research suggests this can play a role, although it is not the only factor.
Are soft foods bad for jaw development?
Soft foods are not inherently bad for jaw development; it is still an important part of early feeding. The key is to include a variety of textures over time so babies also have opportunities to chew more and experience different sensory textures.
What foods help babies learn to chew?
Large foods that provide resistance are often used. Examples include whole carrot sticks, mango pits, and resistive teething biscuits designed for this stage.
When should babies start chewing?
Babies can begin exploring chewing from around six months, when solid foods are introduced. Development varies, so some may take longer than others.
Is chewing linked to teething?
Chewing can help relieve discomfort during teething, but it also plays a role in developing oral coordination.
What to avoid
It is important not to confuse “resistive” with “hard and unsafe”.
Foods such as raw apple chunks or nuts may seem firm, but they can break into smaller pieces that are difficult for babies to manage safely.
As a general rule, avoid foods that are small, hard, and break easily.
Our Takeaway
Chewing is part of how your baby learns to use their mouth.
Alongside soft foods, safe opportunities to chew can support muscle development, coordination, and oral function during an important stage of growth.
However, note this should not replace meals. It simply adds another way for your baby to learn.
References
1. NHS – Your baby’s first solid foods
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/weaning-and-feeding/babys-first-solid-foods/
2. Lieberman, D.E. et al. (2004) – Nature
https://www.nature.com/articles/nature02401
3. Kiliaridis, S. (1995)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7642732/
4. Palmer, J.B. (1998)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9782204/
