One of the most exciting milestones parents celebrate is watching their child feed themselves for the first time. Whether it’s grasping a strawberry with tiny fingers or proudly using a spoon (even if half the yoghurt ends up on the table!), every meal is an opportunity for learning.

At The Therapy Network (TTN), our Occupational Therapists know that successful feeding isn’t just about appetite or trying new foods—it depends on the development of many underlying motor skills. One of the most important is bilateral coordination.

Bilateral coordination is the ability to use both sides of the body together in a smooth, organised and purposeful way. These skills are essential for almost every aspect of feeding and continue developing well into the school years.

What Is Bilateral Coordination?

Bilateral coordination refers to the brain’s ability to organise both hands to work together.

Sometimes the hands perform the same task:

  • Holding a bottle
  • Holding a cup
  • Carrying a bowl

Other times they perform different but coordinated tasks, where one hand stabilises while the other moves.

For example:

  • One hand holds the bowl while the other scoops cereal.
  • One hand steadies a sandwich while the other picks it up.
  • One hand holds the plate while the other cuts with a knife.
  • One hand holds the lunchbox while the other opens the lid.

This is called asymmetrical bilateral coordination, and it becomes increasingly important as children become more independent.

Why Bilateral Coordination Matters for Feeding

Independent eating relies on a combination of skills including:

  • Postural control
  • Core strength
  • Shoulder stability
  • Hand strength
  • Fine motor skills
  • Visual motor integration
  • Crossing the midline
  • Motor planning
  • Bilateral coordination

Without these foundational skills, children may:

  • Avoid using cutlery
  • Swap hands frequently
  • Need help opening containers
  • Struggle to stabilise bowls or plates
  • Tire easily during meals
  • Become frustrated or messy while eating

These challenges are often related to coordination rather than behaviour or motivation.

Bilateral Coordination Feeding Milestones

Birth–6 Months

During the first months of life babies begin developing the foundations for future feeding.

Typical skills include:

  • Bringing both hands together at the midline
  • Holding a bottle with both hands (towards 5–6 months)
  • Reaching for food with either hand
  • Beginning to transfer toys between hands

These early movements strengthen the communication between both sides of the brain.

6–9 Months

As solids are introduced, babies become much more active participants in feeding.

Typical skills include:

  • Holding finger foods
  • Bringing food to the mouth
  • Holding a bottle independently
  • Stabilising a bowl with one hand while reaching with the other (with assistance)
  • Transferring food between hands

Meals become wonderful opportunities for practising coordination.

9–12 Months

Children become increasingly independent.

Typical skills include:

  • Picking up small foods using fingers
  • Holding a spoon
  • Beginning to scoop (with lots of spilling!)
  • Holding a cup with both hands
  • Stabilising objects while reaching

12–18 Months

Toddlers become enthusiastic self-feeders.

Typical skills include:

  • Feeding themselves with a spoon
  • Attempting to use a fork
  • Holding bowls or cups with the opposite hand
  • Beginning to use one hand more consistently while the other stabilises

18–24 Months

Coordination continues to improve.

Children may:

  • Scoop food with less spilling
  • Use a fork more accurately
  • Hold plates or bowls while eating
  • Open simple containers
  • Begin using one “helping hand”

2–3 Years

Children begin performing more complex two-handed tasks.

Typical milestones include:

  • Drinking from an open cup confidently
  • Using spoon and fork with increasing control
  • Holding bread while spreading soft toppings (with assistance)
  • Opening lunch containers
  • Stabilising paper cups while drinking

3–4 Years

By preschool age children are becoming much more independent.

Many children can:

  • Pierce food accurately with a fork
  • Hold a bowl while stirring
  • Pour drinks carefully
  • Spread butter or cream cheese with assistance
  • Hold food steady while taking bites

4–5 Years

Children develop greater precision.

Typical skills include:

  • Cutting soft foods using a child-safe knife
  • Holding a fork in one hand and knife in the other
  • Opening lunchboxes
  • Peeling bananas
  • Opening yoghurt containers
  • Carrying meals carefully

5–7 Years

School-aged children continue refining feeding skills.

Many children can:

  • Cut firmer foods
  • Use knife and fork together effectively
  • Open most food packaging
  • Prepare simple snacks
  • Spread toppings independently
  • Pour drinks with good control

How Can Parents Encourage Bilateral Coordination?

Fortunately, bilateral coordination develops through everyday play—not just during meals.

Here are some great activities:

In the Kitchen

  • Stir cake mixture
  • Tear lettuce
  • Peel mandarins
  • Spread butter
  • Roll dough
  • Pour ingredients
  • Wash vegetables


Fine Motor Play

  • Threading beads
  • Building with blocks
  • Lacing cards
  • Peg activities
  • Scissor skills
  • Stickers
  • Puzzles

Gross Motor Activities

  • Climbing
  • Crawling through tunnels
  • Animal walks
  • Catching large balls
  • Throwing and catching
  • Wheelbarrow walks

Sensory Play

  • Playdough
  • Kinetic sand
  • Rice bins
  • Water play
  • Digging activities
  • Squeezing sponges

When Should You Seek Advice?

Every child develops at their own pace, but it may be worth discussing feeding skills with an Occupational Therapist if your child:

  • Avoids self-feeding beyond what would be expected for their age.
  • Cannot coordinate using both hands during meals.
  • Frequently swaps hands during tasks.
  • Struggles to stabilise bowls, cups or plates.
  • Cannot use age-appropriate utensils.
  • Becomes frustrated or fatigued during meals.
  • Has significant difficulty opening lunchbox containers compared with peers.

Early support can help build confidence before mealtime frustrations become entrenched.


How Occupational Therapy Can Help

At The Therapy Network (TTN), our Occupational Therapists assess the underlying skills that contribute to successful feeding—not just eating itself.

We look at:

  • Bilateral coordination
  • Fine motor development
  • Hand strength
  • Core stability
  • Postural control
  • Sensory processing
  • Motor planning
  • Independence with self-care

Using fun, play-based therapy, we help children develop the confidence and coordination needed to participate more independently at home, childcare and school.

Remember—independent feeding isn’t achieved overnight. Every scoop, spill, stir and sandwich is helping your child build lifelong skills for independence.