The Neuroscience of Infant Sucking

Infant sucking is not only a feeding behavior; it is also a complex neuro-motor activity controlled by the nervous system.

Non-nutritive sucking occurs when the infant sucks without receiving milk, such as when sucking on a finger, pacifier, or an empty breast.

Nutritive sucking occurs when the baby feeds and milk is actively transferred from the breast.

Sucking and swallowing begin before birth. Around the 13th week of gestation, the fetus starts swallowing amniotic fluid, and by approximately the 15th week, it is able to suck on its fingers.