Feeding Techniques

Some babies or children may experience difficulty with feeding by mouth (oral feeding) and/or they may be receiving feeding via a tube and may need help moving from tube feeding to oral feeding, or progressing through different textured foods as they get older. Other babies or children may be struggling with gastrointestinal problems or have sensitivities to textures and smells.

The Occupational Therapist will complete an assessment to provide input regarding the contributing factors or problems and provide recommendations. Oftentimes, the Occupational Therapist will also collaborate with other team members involved with the client, such as the client's doctors, nurses and nutritionists to help facilitate an improvement in oral feeding and swallowing. The ultimate goal is for the baby or child to eat safely and efficiently and reduce the stress and anxiety often associated with feeding difficulties.

Depending upon the specific feeding issue, the Occupational Therapist will recommend feeding strategies such as alternative feeding positions or methods.