Chew, taste, talk: How food and language are connected for young children

In collaboration and advertising for Mellistipset.se

Language development begins earlier than many people think

It's easy to think that a child's language development only picks up steam when they start talking or pick up their first book. But the foundation for language is laid much earlier, in early interactions with adults and not least during mealtimes.

When young children sit at the dinner table and listen to adults' voices, observe facial expressions and explore the food themselves with their hands and mouth, both communication and oral motor skills are trained. Chewing, tasting and feeling with the mouth is not only a way of eating, it is also important training for the muscles that will later help the child form sounds and speak.

Oral motor skills and language are linked

Research shows that children who are exposed to different textures and eat on their own at an early age develop more advanced oral motor skills. Oral motor skills – the interaction between the tongue, lips and jaws – are not only crucial for chewing and swallowing, but also for forming words. By allowing the child to handle food themselves, from soft purees to foods with more chewing resistance, the movements that are also required for speaking are stimulated.

Three easy ways to strengthen your child's oral motor skills at home:

• Let the child pick themselves: Offer small, soft pieces of food and let the child practice bringing them to their mouth at their own pace.
• Take it easy at mealtime : Eating in peace and quiet without stress gives your child the opportunity to explore texture, taste and mouth movements on their own terms.
• Make mealtime a language experience: Talk about what you're eating: "That banana is soft, isn't it?" or "Do you feel how crunchy it sounds when we chew on the carrot?" Putting the experience into words strengthens both language and curiosity.

Snack tip – smart food for small stomachs

We would like to recommend Mellistipset.se – a fantastic source for those who want to give your child a nutritious diet in an easy way. Behind the site is Isabelle Ståhl, a licensed nutritionist and mother of two, who is passionate about helping families get a safe and nutritious start to their food journey.

On Mellistipset you will find:

• An online course that guides you through the entire food introduction process – perfect gift for baby showers or for new parents.
• Super tasty, healthy and simple recipes that work for the whole family, without added sugar, gluten or milk protein
• Recipe books , including the Breakfast book which is packed with fantastically delicious meals to start the day with.
• Blog posts and tips , for example, did you know that using a cast iron pan when cooking can increase iron intake in children?

Safety at the dinner table is essential – both for the child and for you as a parent. Many people feel anxious about introducing food, especially when it comes to the risk of the child choking or how to know that the child is getting enough nutrition. Mellistipset's online course gives you safe guidance where you learn everything from taste portions and allergies to chewing training and food safety. A big tip from us!

20% discount with our code

We have really enjoyed the Mellistipset and are therefore extra happy to be able to offer you a 20% discount on both the online course and the recipe books.

Use the code READIOO20 at mellistipset.se .