Feeding Therapy
What is Pediatric Feeding Therapy?
Pediatric feeding therapy helps infants and children who have difficulty eating or drinking. These challenges can involve issues with chewing, swallowing, trying new foods, or managing certain textures. Feeding therapy is designed to support children in developing safe, efficient, and positive mealtime skills.
Who Provides Feeding Therapy?
Feeding therapy is typically provided by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) or occupational therapist (OT) with specialized training in pediatric feeding and swallowing. A team approach may also involve pediatricians, dietitians, and other healthcare providers.
Who Might Benefit from Feeding Therapy?
Your child may benefit from feeding therapy if they:
- Struggle to chew or swallow safely
- Refuse entire food groups or have very limited food preferences (picky eating)
- Gag, choke, or cough during meals
- Experience stress, anxiety, or meltdowns during meals
- Are dependent on a feeding tube or need help transitioning from tube to oral feeding
- Have trouble gaining weight or growing due to feeding difficulties
- Take a very long time to eat meals
What Does Feeding Therapy Look Like?
Feeding therapy is personalized to each child’s needs and may include:
- Helping your child explore and accept new foods through play-based and sensory-friendly techniques
- Teaching safe chewing and swallowing skills
- Building oral motor strength and coordination
- Supporting transitions from tube to oral feeding
- Coaching caregivers on how to reduce mealtime stress and encourage progress at home
The Goal of Feeding Therapy?
The ultimate goal is to help children enjoy mealtimes, eat safely, and get the nutrition they need to grow, thrive, and participate in family routines.