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      Home / Picky Eating / Other feeding concerns

      Other feeding concerns

       

      As you may know, mealtimes when your child has a feeding issue can be extremely trying! And can put a strain on your relationship with your child. As a mom, we understand that all you want is for your child to eat their food, so that you can rest assured they’re getting all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals they need to be healthy and grow well.

      Research shows that more than 50% of mothers worldwide have at least 1 child with a feeding issue. This equates to approximately 25% of all children.1,2 So, don’t be hard on yourself - you are not alone!

      Sensory Feeding Issues

      These are issues where something about the food is overwhelming or uncomfortable to a child, and include the way the food:

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      Refusal to sit at the table for mealtimes.

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      Disruptive behavior during mealtimes such as throwing food, crying, screaming, spitting, head-turning to avoid food, clenching teeth, vomiting, etc.

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      Refusal to self-feed (when able to do so).

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      Distraction with TV, toys, cell phones, iPads, so as to avoid eating.

      If you are struggling to find a way to deal with, and overcome your child’s feeding issues, here are some helpful tips to help you through these tricky and trying situations:

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      Maintain appropriate boundaries.

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      Avoid distractions during mealtimes (TV, cell phones, games, toys, etc.)

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      Use a child-size chair at the table.

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      Do your best to maintain a pleasant neutral attitude throughout the meal – smile and don’t become anxious, angry or excited.

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      Feed to encourage appetite.

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      Feed your child at intervals of 3 – 4 hours.

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      Limit mealtimes to 20 – 30 minutes.

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      Serve age-appropriate foods.

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      Serve reasonably small helpings.

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      Keep on introducing new foods, one at a time and step by step.

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      Encourage self-feeding.

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      Tolerate age-appropriate mess.

      Most important is to never force your child to eat. As stressful as it may be, rather work towards a goal of overcoming the issue together. Reward your child with positive words when he/she takes a bite and swallows. Help them feel like they have accomplished something magical by finishing their food – reward them with longer playing time or more bubbles in their bath.

      References:

      1. Kerzner B, et al. Pediatr 2015;135(2):344-353.
      2. Yang HR. Korean J Pediatr 2017;60(12):379-384.
      3. Babbitt RL, et al. J Dev Behav Pediatr 1994;15:278-291.
      4. Kerzner B. Clin Pediatr 2009;48(9):960-965.

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