Where does an infant larynx rise to during swallowing?

During swallowing, an infant's larynx can rise as high as the 1st or 2nd cervical vertebrae. This higher positioning of the larynx is crucial for infants, as it facilitates the swallowing process and helps prevent aspiration. In infants, the anatomy of the larynx, including its higher placement in relation to the cervical spine, allows for a more effective separation of the airway and the esophagus during swallowing. This adaptation is important in their ability to suck and swallow simultaneously, ensuring that they can feed safely without inhaling food or liquids into the lungs. As infants grow, the larynx descends, which corresponds to changes in swallowing and feeding mechanics as they transition to solid foods and develop more complex oral motor skills.