When to Consider Feeding Therapy for Your Child
Feeding challenges are more common than many families realize—and they can show up in different ways at different stages of development. From difficulties with bottle or breast feeding to concerns about picky eating or transitioning to solids, feeding struggles can impact a child’s growth, comfort, and family mealtimes.
Feeding therapy is designed to support children who have difficulty eating, drinking, or progressing through feeding milestones, while also supporting families through what can be a stressful experience.
Difficulty With Bottle or Breast Feeding
Some feeding challenges appear very early in infancy. A referral for feeding therapy may be helpful if your child experiences:
Difficulty coordinating suck–swallow–breathe
Frequent coughing, gagging, or arching during feeds
Prolonged feeding times (longer than 30 minutes)
Refusal of the bottle or limited intake
Reliance on very specific positions, bottles, or nipples
These signs can indicate that feeding is uncomfortable, tiring, or overwhelming for your child—and support can make a meaningful difference.
Challenges Transitioning to Purees or Solids
As babies grow, new feeding skills are required. Some children need extra support during this transition. Feeding therapy may be appropriate if your child is:
Not transitioning to purees or solids by 6–9 months
Gagging or vomiting frequently with new textures
Refusing to try new foods or textures
Showing signs of oral aversion
Demonstrating limited chewing development
These challenges are not a reflection of parenting—they often signal that a child needs help developing the underlying skills for eating.
Feeding Concerns That Impact Growth or Well-Being
In some cases, feeding difficulties affect a child’s overall health or family routines. Feeding therapy should be considered if you notice:
Frequent vomiting, coughing, or gagging during meals
Distress or anxiety when food is offered
Dependence on high-calorie supplements due to low intake
Inconsistent hunger cues or lack of interest in feeding
Ongoing family stress or significant caregiver concern around mealtimes
Supporting feeding is not just about intake—it’s about comfort, safety, and connection during meals.
“Picky Eating” and Food Selectivity
While picky eating can be a normal part of development, feeding therapy may be helpful when selectivity is more intense or persistent. Signs include:
Eating fewer than approximately 15 foods consistently
Strong preferences related to texture, brand, color, or presentation
Significant distress during meals (crying, refusal, anxiety)
Nutritional compromise or poor growth related to intake
Feeding therapy focuses on building skills, reducing stress, and creating positive mealtime experiences—not forcing or pressuring children to eat.
How Feeding Therapy Helps
Feeding therapy supports children by:
Addressing oral-motor and sensory needs
Improving safety and efficiency during meals
Supporting skill development for chewing and swallowing
Reducing stress and distress around feeding
Empowering families with strategies they can use at home
A collaborative, child-centered approach helps families feel supported while honoring each child’s individual needs.
Feeding Therapy Support in Atlanta
If you have concerns about your child’s feeding, early support can make a difference. Hart Therapy Services provides individualized feeding therapy and family-centered care to support children and caregivers through feeding challenges.
📞 Contact Hart Therapy Services at (404) 913-2075
Feeding Therapy FAQs
What is feeding therapy?
Feeding therapy supports children who have difficulty eating, drinking, or progressing through feeding milestones. It may address oral-motor skills, sensory processing, coordination, safety, and a child’s comfort with food and mealtimes. Feeding therapy also supports caregivers with strategies to reduce stress and build positive routines.
How do I know if my child needs feeding therapy?
You may want to consider feeding therapy if your child:
Struggles with bottle or breast feeding
Has difficulty transitioning to purees or solids
Gags, coughs, vomits, or shows distress during meals
Eats a very limited variety of foods
Experiences growth, nutrition, or mealtime stress concerns
If feeding feels consistently challenging or overwhelming, that alone is a valid reason to seek support.
Is picky eating the same as a feeding disorder?
Not always. Some picky eating is developmentally typical. Feeding therapy may be helpful when selectivity is intense, persistent, or impacts nutrition, growth, or family well-being. Therapy focuses on understanding why eating is hard and supporting skill development—rather than forcing food intake.
Can feeding therapy help babies and toddlers?
Yes. Feeding therapy can support infants, toddlers, and young children. Early intervention is especially helpful for challenges with bottle feeding, transitioning textures, or developing chewing skills.
Does feeding therapy involve forcing children to eat?
No. A neurodiversity-affirming feeding therapy approach prioritizes safety, comfort, trust, and skill-building. Children are not forced to eat foods they are not ready for. Progress happens through gradual exposure, play, and positive experiences.
Who provides feeding therapy?
Feeding therapy is often provided by speech-language pathologists and/or occupational therapists with specialized training in feeding and swallowing. Therapy may involve collaboration with pediatricians, dietitians, or other medical providers when needed.
Do parents participate in feeding therapy?
Yes. Parent involvement is essential. Feeding therapy includes caregiver education and coaching so strategies can be carried over into daily routines and mealtimes at home.
Where can I find feeding therapy support in Atlanta?
Hart Therapy Services provides individualized, family-centered feeding therapy in Atlanta. Services focus on supporting children’s feeding skills while empowering caregivers with practical, compassionate strategies.
