Pediatric Feeding Therapy
Helping Picky Eaters & Sensory-Sensitive Kids Enjoy Mealtime
If your child struggles with picky eating, sensory food aversions, or difficulty chewing and swallowing, our pediatric feeding therapy services can help them feel safe and comfortable with food.
Signs Your Child May Benefit
From Feeding Therapy
Extreme picky eating
eating fewer than 20 foods, refusing entire food groups
Sensory food aversions
gagging, avoiding certain textures, difficulty trying new foods
Chewing or swallowing difficulties
Anxiety or meltdowns at mealtime
Difficulty transitioning from bottle to solids
How Our Feeding Therapy Helps
Food Exploration
Encouraging new textures and flavors in a pressure-free way
Supporting Picky Eaters
Expanding food variety with gradual, low-pressure approaches
Oral Motor Skill Development
Strengthening the muscles needed for chewing and swallowing
No Pressure, Just Progress - Here's Our Process
Schedule an Evaluation
A hour long assessment of your mealtime habits and challenges.
Review Your Customized Plan
Gentle, step-by-step strategies tailored to your child’s need.
Attend Your Therapy Sessions
30-minute sessions designed for food exploration and skill-building
Pediatric Feeding Therapy – FAQs
How do I know if my child needs feeding therapy?
If your child:
- Eats only a very limited number of foods
- Gags, chokes, or has difficulty chewing/swallowing
- Avoids certain textures or food groups
- Has difficulty transitioning from purees to solids
Experiences stress or anxiety during mealtimes…they may benefit from feeding therapy. We can help your child explore food in a safe, supportive way.
What causes extreme picky eating or food aversions in children?
Picky eating can stem from a variety of factors, including sensory sensitivities, oral motor difficulties, past negative feeding experiences, or medical conditions like acid reflux. Feeding therapy identifies the root cause and provides strategies to make mealtimes more positive.
How does feeding therapy help kids feel more comfortable with food?
Feeding therapy uses a gentle, play-based approach to help children explore new foods at their own pace. Techniques include:
- Sensory play with food (touching, smelling, interacting)
- Gradual exposure to new textures and tastes
- Strengthening oral motor skills for chewing and swallowing
- Reducing anxiety around eating through positive reinforcement
We focus on connection before correction, allowing children to feel safe while expanding their diet.
Will my child be forced to eat new foods during feeding therapy?
No! Our approach is child-led and pressure-free. Forcing a child to eat can increase anxiety and resistance. Instead, we create positive food experiences, helping children feel comfortable and confident trying new foods when they’re ready.
How can I make mealtimes less stressful for my picky eater?
You can support your child by:
- Offering a variety of foods without pressure
- Making mealtimes relaxed and enjoyable
- Allowing your child to explore food through play
- Being patient—progress takes time!
- Modeling positive eating behaviors
We’ll equip you with strategies to reduce stress and encourage healthy eating habits at home.
Book a Consultation
Let’s help your child build a positive relationship with food! Contact Jellybean Pediatric Therapy today to schedule an evaluation.
