5 Signs Your Child May Need Feeding Support
Feeding your child should be a natural and joyful experience, but sometimes challenges arise that make mealtimes stressful for both children and parents. Recognizing the early signs of feeding difficulties can help you get the right support sooner and prevent bigger issues down the road. Here are five key signs to watch for.
Frequent Gagging, Choking, or Coughing | Prolonged or Stressful Mealtimes |
Extreme Picky Eating | Poor Weight Gain or Growth Delays | Stress or Anxiety Around Meals
1. Frequent Gagging, Choking, or Coughing
If your child often gags, chokes, or coughs while eating or drinking, it may point to swallowing or oral motor challenges that need professional support to keep meals safe.
2. Prolonged or Stressful Mealtimes
Meals that regularly last longer than 30 minutes, or leave your child frustrated and tired, can signal difficulties with chewing, swallowing, or managing textures.
3. Extreme Picky Eating
Refusing entire food groups, eating only a handful of foods, or resisting new textures may be more than just “picky eating.” Feeding therapy helps expand food variety safely.
4. Poor Weight Gain or Growth Delays
Struggles with feeding can lead to inadequate nutrition, affecting your child’s growth, development, and energy levels. Early intervention protects long-term health.
5. Stress or Anxiety Around Meals
Crying, tantrums, or refusing to come to the table can show that mealtimes have become overwhelming for your child. Supportive feeding therapy makes eating positive again.
You Don’t Have to Face This Alone
If you notice one or more of these signs, compassionate help is available. At Integrative Wellness and Therapeutics, we partner with families to create safe, joyful mealtimes and give children the skills they need to thrive.
📅 Schedule a Pediatric Feeding Consultation today and take the first step toward less stress and more success at the table.