6 Months – 2 Years
The Toddler Transition
This developmental period involves major transitions—from breast/bottle to solids, from babbling to words. Airway issues can significantly impact these milestones.
Between 6 months and 2 years, children undergo remarkable developmental changes. They transition from milk to solid foods, develop speech, and establish breathing patterns that can last a lifetime.
Airway dysfunction during this period can manifest as feeding difficulties, speech delays, sleep problems, and behavioral concerns. Identifying and addressing these issues early supports optimal development.
Sleep & Breathing
Quality sleep is essential for growth and development. These signs may indicate airway concerns.
- Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
- Mouth breathing while sleeping
- Restless sleep or frequent position changes
- Night sweats
- Frequent night waking
- Difficulty falling asleep independently
- Unusual sleep positions (neck extended)
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
Feeding & Eating
The transition to solid foods reveals a lot about oral function and airway health.
- Difficulty transitioning to solid foods
- Gagging or choking on textures
- Picky eating or food aversions
- Preferring soft or pureed foods
- Stuffing mouth with food (chipmunking)
- Difficulty chewing
- Drooling beyond 18 months
- Messy eating
Development & Health
Airway issues can affect speech development, immune function, and behavior.
- Speech delays or unclear speech
- Limited vocabulary for age
- Mouth breathing during the day
- Frequent ear infections
- Chronic nasal congestion
- Allergies or eczema
- Behavioral issues or irritability
- Difficulty with attention
Oral & Facial Signs
Physical signs that may indicate underlying airway or oral function concerns.
- Open mouth posture at rest
- Tongue resting low in mouth
- Visible tongue thrust when swallowing
- Narrow or high-arched palate
- Crowding of baby teeth
- Anterior open bite
- Lip incompetence (lips don't close naturally)
Supporting Healthy Development
If you've identified several concerns from the lists above, a comprehensive assessment can help determine if intervention would benefit your child's development.