If your baby has been sent home with a nasogastric tube — or your doctor has mentioned one as a possibility — it's completely normal to feel overwhelmed. A tube coming out of your child's nose is not what any parent imagined for mealtime. But here's what I want you to hear first: an NG tube is not a failure. It is a bridge. And for many babies, it is the very thing that keeps them safe, growing, and thriving while their body learns to do what feeding requires. This post is fo

When children struggle to gain weight there is help for families.

ARFID is not a choice for children. It is a complex interaction between nature, nurture and a complex mixture of different experiences and interpretations of those experiences. Appetite, sensory and social interactions all play a role.

What causes ARFID?

Grazing :It's not about the type of foods but the amount at each serving What Is Grazing? Grazing is when children eat small amounts of food throughout the day without scheduled meal and snack times. While it may seem like a helpful way to get calories in, it can actually lead to reduced hunger at mealtimes. Additionally, it can create less willingness to try new foods. Why Does Hunger Matter? Hunger plays a crucial role in feeding development. True hunger prompts a child to

Many children go through phases where they reject broccoli, protest at the sight of anything green, or insist on eating the same brand of macaroni and cheese every day. But how do you know if it’s just typical picky eating or something more serious, like Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)? In this post, we’ll break down the differences between picky eating and ARFID, outline red flags to look for, and stress the importance of ruling out underlying medical condi

Bottle feeding is a common practice for parents, but it doesn’t always come easy. Some infants face difficulties that can make the process frustrating for both the baby and the caregiver. Specialized therapy, such as bottle feeding therapy, provides support to tackle these obstacles and improve the feeding experience for everyone involved. In this blog post, we will discuss the challenges of bottle feeding and explore how specialized therapy can help. Understanding Bottle Fee

Feeding difficulties in children can be a major challenge for both parents and caregivers. While it might seem common for kids to be picky eaters, some kids struggle significantly with eating. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies, social anxiety, and frustration within the family. That's where feeding therapy comes into play. This therapeutic intervention helps children develop more positive relationships with food, leading to healthier habits and improved overall well-b

ARFID is challenging for families. Here are some small ways to incorporate new routines to help.

Understanding the importance of good positioning supports not only a child's physical well-being but also boosts their developmental progres

Is your baby refusing the bottle, turning away at mealtime, or only drinking when distracted? Bottle aversion can be stressful.

Understanding the distinction between picky eating and feeding disorders ensures your child receives the appropriate support for their nutri

The Importance of an EGD for Children with Feeding Difficulties If your child has been struggling with feeding difficulties, their healthcare provider may recommend an Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The idea of a medical procedure—especially one involving anesthesia—can feel overwhelming for parents. However, an EGD is a valuable tool in understanding and addressing underlying medical conditions that might be affecting your child’s ability to eat, grow, and thrive. What is

Learn the signs of feeding difficulties, when to seek help, and how feeding therapy can support your child.

Learning to drink from a straw is an essential skill for babies and young children, supporting oral motor development, hydration, and independence at mealtimes. As a feeding therapist, I often recommend introducing straw drinking as an alternative to sippy cups, which can sometimes impede proper oral development. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best methods for teaching your baby or child to drink from a straw and recommend the best cups to support their learning pro

When it comes to feeding your little one, having the right tools can make all the difference. A supportive and ergonomic high chair is essential for promoting proper posture and stability during mealtimes. Proper postural support, including a footrest, helps children maintain an upright position, which is crucial for safe swallowing, better focus on eating, and overall comfort. A well-designed high chair encourages healthy eating habits and can make mealtimes more enjoyable f

Child-led weaning, also known as baby-led weaning (BLW), has gained popularity in recent years as a method of introducing solids. Parents often appreciate its emphasis on allowing babies to explore food at their own pace, fostering independence and motor skill development. However, while this approach can be beneficial for some children, it’s not without risks—and it’s not suitable for every child. What is Child-Led Weaning? Child-led weaning involves skipping purees and spoo

When it comes to feeding challenges in children, two terms frequently come up: Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). While these conditions might appear similar on the surface, understanding their distinctions and overlaps is crucial for proper diagnosis and intervention. What is Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD)? PFD is a complex condition defined by the inability to consume enough food or drink to meet nutritional or hydratio