Pediatric Feeding Therapy
If your child struggles with eating, swallowing or trying new foods, pediatric feeding therapy can help. At OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois, our pediatric feeding specialists work with you to support your child’s growth, nutrition and confidence at mealtime, whether your child is an infant, toddler or older child.
What is feeding therapy?
Pediatric feeding therapy helps children who have trouble eating safely, chewing, swallowing or tolerating certain textures. Feeding challenges can arise from developmental delays, medical conditions or sensory sensitivities. Your child’s pediatric feeding therapist will work with your child at their own pace, teaching skills to make mealtime easier and less stressful.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your first appointment is a chance for you and your child to meet one on one with a pediatric feeding therapist. You’ll talk about your child’s feeding history, what’s been challenging and what you hope to achieve with therapy. A parent or guardian must attend the first appointment to provide pertinent history and collaborate on the treatment plan and goals.
The therapist will also assess your child’s feeding skills, oral motor abilities and sensory responses. Together, you and your child’s therapist will create a personalized plan of care tailored to your child’s needs and your family’s goals.
If your child works with other specialists, such as a pediatrician, gastroenterologist, pulmonologist or cardiologist, your feeding therapist will communicate with them so everyone is on the same page.
Meet Your Care Team
Your child’s team is made up of pediatric feeding specialists in occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy. They are trained to help children with a wide range of feeding challenges.
If your child needs multiple therapy services, the team coordinates care and keeps you informed every step of the way.
Conditions Treated with Feeding Therapy for Kids
Feeding therapy for kids can help if your child:
- Avoids certain textures or temperatures of food
- Has difficulty eating or drinking safely
- Has weak or delayed oral motor skills
- Has a pediatric feeding disorder like gastroesophageal reflux disease or esophagitis
- Isn’t gaining enough weight due to feeding challenges
- Struggles to transition from liquids to solid foods
- Was born prematurely or has medical complexity affecting feeding
- Needs support with coordination, muscle tone or other developmental challenges
Pediatric Feeding Therapy Services We Provide
Depending on your child’s needs, feeding therapy services may include:
- Coordination with your child’s medical team for complex health needs
- Feeding therapy for infants learning to breastfeed or bottle-feed
- Feeding therapy for toddlers moving to solid foods
- Guidance for parents and caregivers to continue therapy at home
- Loaner equipment through a grant program to help families try feeding tools before buying
- Oral motor skill development
- Sensory-based feeding strategies
- Swallowing assessments, including videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS)
Preparing Your Child for Feeding Therapy
Before your appointment, you can help your child feel comfortable by explaining that they will meet a therapist who will make eating easier and more fun. Bring any feeding tools your child uses and a list of foods they tolerate or avoid.
Because pediatric feeding therapy is referral-based, your child’s provider will need to submit a referral before scheduling. Once you’re scheduled, our team will guide you through every step, answer your questions and support your child as they build confidence and success at mealtime.
Ask for a Referral
Need compassionate, effective therapy services for your child? Contact your primary care provider about a referral to pediatric feeding therapy. Need a primary care provider? Browse our directory.
Featured Providers
- Savannah Andrews
- Carly Cheatham
- Paige Krogh
- Louise Otte
- Hannah Schultz
- Daphne Voorhis
