Children, feeding and swallowing

Feeding uses the whole body

Feeding uses the mouth, throat and breathing, all at once.

Every child is different, and so is every family's mealtime.

What you might notice

Parents often notice these at feeds or meals.

• Arching the back or stiffening during feeds.
• Crying or pulling away during feeds.
• Coughing or gagging while eating or drinking.
• Trouble breathing while eating.
• Refusing foods or drinks, or taking only certain textures.
• Holding food in the mouth, or long mealtimes.
• Spitting up or vomiting a lot, or slow weight gain.

Who helps, and what a check offers

Your child's doctor is a good first call. They can refer you to a pediatric speech-language pathologist (SLP).

A feeding check shows what is going on, so you can weigh the options with the team.

• A pediatric SLP looks at feeding and swallowing in babies and children.
• Others may join, like a dietitian, an occupational therapist or a doctor.
• Parents are part of the team. What you see at home matters.

What can help

• Write down what you notice at feeds: what, when and what happened.
• A short phone video of a feed can help the doctor or SLP see it.
• Have your child sit down to eat, and stay with them.
• Know the common choking hazards for young children, like whole grapes, nuts, popcorn and hot dogs.

Questions to ask your care team

• Is what I notice worth a feeding check?
• Can you refer us to a pediatric SLP?
• What would a feeding check look at?
• What are our options, and what does each involve?
• Which signs mean I need to call you?

When to get help

Get your child checked soon if you notice any of these. Their doctor is a good first call.

• Coughing, choking or gagging at most feeds or meals.
• Food that seems to get stuck, or a child who refuses to swallow.
• Losing weight, or not gaining weight.
• Pneumonia or chest infections, especially if they come back.