When Feeding Challenges May Need Extra Support
- Mallory
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 2
It’s common for children to go through “picky eating” phases. In fact, developing independence and expressing preferences is a normal part of growth. But sometimes, feeding difficulties go beyond typical pickiness. When a child consistently avoids whole food groups, refuses certain textures, only eats specific brands, or struggles with homemade foods, it may be a sign that they need a little extra support.
There are many reasons children can’t, don’t, or won’t eat certain foods. These may include:
Medical concerns
Sensory differences
Mealtime dynamics and relationships
Limited opportunities to try new foods
The good news is—you don’t have to figure this out alone.
A Helpful Screening Tool
The Feeding Matters organization has developed a short, 6-question screener designed for children ages 0–4 to help families distinguish between typical picky eating and a possible Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD).
Questions include:
Does your child let you know when they’re hungry?
Do you think your child eats enough?
How long does it usually take to feed your child? (<5 minutes, 5–30 minutes, or more than 30 minutes)
Do you have to do anything special to help your child eat?
Does your child let you know when they are full?
Based on these questions, do you have concerns about your child’s feeding?
If you answer with concerns on two or more of these questions, it may be worth sharing the results with your pediatrician and asking whether a feeding evaluation would be helpful.
Signs Your Child May Benefit From a Feeding Evaluation
While every child develops differently, there are certain signs that suggest a child could benefit from extra feeding support. These may include:
Ongoing challenges with weight gain or weight loss
Frequent choking, gagging, coughing, or vomiting during meals
Difficulty transitioning to purees by 10 months or table foods by 12 months
Not moving from breast/bottle to cup by 16 months
Eating fewer than 20 foods (especially if foods are being dropped over time)
Avoiding all foods in a certain texture or nutrition group
Significant distress at meals (crying, arching, or resistance)
Mealtime battles or stress between parent and child
Concerns reported consistently at well-child visits
How Feeding Therapy Can Help
Feeding therapy is designed to make mealtimes less stressful and more successful—for both children and families. At Innovative Therapy Center, we use a supportive, play-based approach to:
Expand your child’s food variety in a positive way
Improve safety and comfort with eating and drinking
Strengthen parent-child feeding relationships
Create a plan tailored to your child’s unique needs and your family’s goals
You’re Not Alone
If your child is showing signs of ongoing feeding difficulties, remember—you did not cause this, and help is available. Early support can make mealtimes more enjoyable and set the stage for healthier eating patterns in the future.
📞 Contact us today at Innovative Therapy Center to learn more about feeding evaluations and therapy, 330-595-9059. Together, we can help your child thrive.
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