Resources to Improve Feeding Difficulties
All items available on Amazon - click the link or picture below to be directed to the item in a new window.
These all help prepare for feeding and use oral motor muscles needed for feeding. Gently massage the gums, inside of the mouth and tongue. Make the mouth more awake and responsive - help improve muscle tone and ability to tolerate different sensations.
Reading and talking about different foods can help the child feel more comfortable - playfulness is important for mealtime or when trying new foods for children with feeding issues. Talk about what foods look like (a banana looks like a telephone, broccoli looks like a tree), what color they are (what colors does the child like?), what they might feel like or sound like in your mouth (is it loud and crunchy or is it quiet and soft?).
Utensils for children beginning to feed themselves, mini cookie cutters can be used to cut food into fun shapes or used for other sensory activities, food-based toys and activities for children to become familiar with food.
Sensory bins are another useful tool to prepare children for feeding or to provide needed sensory input (hide toys/small treasures in bucket of warm soapy water, bin of rice or dry beans, sand box).