3 Ways to Know if Your Infant or Toddler Would Benefit from Feeding Therapy
Feeding is a complex skill that involves coordination, sensory processing, and oral motor development. While some children take to eating with ease, others may struggle with various feeding challenges. Knowing when to seek support can make a big difference in your child’s overall development and mealtime experience. Here are three key signs that your infant or toddler may benefit from feeding therapy.
1. Difficulty Transitioning to Solid Foods
Transitioning from breastmilk or formula to solids is an important developmental milestone. If your child struggles with this transition, it may indicate underlying challenges that feeding therapy can address.
Signs to Look For:
Gagging, choking, or excessive coughing when eating solids
Refusing textured foods or only accepting purees
Difficulty chewing or moving food around in the mouth
2. Picky Eating That Impacts Nutrition
While picky eating is common in toddlers, extreme food selectivity can lead to nutritional concerns and mealtime stress. If your child consistently refuses certain food groups or has a very limited diet, they may benefit from specialized support.
Signs to Look For:
Eating fewer than 10-15 foods regularly
Avoiding entire food textures (e.g., all meats, all fruits)
Strong emotional reactions to new foods
3. Frequent Mealtime Battles and Stress
Mealtime should be an enjoyable experience, but if it’s consistently stressful or filled with power struggles, it may indicate an underlying feeding issue.
Signs to Look For:
Crying, tantrums, or distress at mealtimes
Refusing to sit at the table or eat with the family
Long mealtimes with little food intake
When to Seek Help
If your child is showing any of these signs, a feeding therapist can assess their needs and create a plan to support their feeding skills. Early intervention can help prevent long-term feeding difficulties and promote positive mealtime experiences.
At Playhouse, we specialize in feeding therapy that supports infants and toddlers in developing healthy and confident eating habits. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your child thrive at mealtimes!
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