What is a feeding problem?

Friday, February 12, 2010 by Michelle Pentz

Quite simply, a feeding problem is simply a failure to progress with feeding skills. 

Maybe a child does not move from a suckling (a reflex present at birth) or sucking pattern (learned about 2-3 months, requires lip strength more up and down) to a much (present about 8-12 months more up and down chomping with mouth open), rotary chew pattern (present around 3 years; circular pattern chew). 

Maybe the child holds food in their mouth. 

Maybe the child has difficulty with progressing to different stages of food due to problems along the digestive tract. Problems in the digestive tract can include problems with the oral cavity (mouth), pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and/or intestines.  Maybe a feeding problem is that your child not like certain textures and/or colors of foods. 

As you can tell, a feeding problem can be caused by a wide variety of things. If you have concerns about your child’s eating, growth, or weight a speech therapist may be able to help you figure out where your child’s difficulties are.  Just call one of Charlotte pediatric therapy clinics to schedule an evaluation. 

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