feeding behavior
the behavior involved in taking nourishment. In humans, the development of feeding behavior includes (a) stimulation and coordination of the sucking and swallowing reflexes in early infancy, (b) adaptation to breast or bottle and to scheduled or self-demand feeding, (c) biting at about the 4th month, (d) anticipatory chewing movements, (e) actual chewing when the teeth are developed, and (f) transferring from finger feeding to the use of various utensils.