Many children go through phases of picky eating, especially during toddler and preschool years. But sometimes feeding challenges go beyond typical preferences and can signal a need for professional support. Knowing when to seek a feeding evaluation can help reduce stress at mealtimes and ensure your child is getting the support they need to thrive.
When to Consider a Feeding Evaluation
It may be time to seek a feeding evaluation if your child:
- Eats a very limited number of foods, especially fewer than 10 to 15 consistently
- Refuses entire food groups or specific textures
- Gags, vomits, or becomes distressed when presented with new foods
- Shows strong sensory reactions to smells, textures, or the look of food
- Experiences frequent mealtime anxiety or meltdowns
- Struggles with chewing, swallowing, or moving food in their mouth
- Has feeding challenges that impact nutrition, growth, or family routines
These signs may indicate more than typical picky eating and can be related to sensory processing differences, oral motor challenges, or both.
What Happens in Feeding Therapy
Feeding therapy is designed to support children in a safe, gradual, and encouraging way. During therapy, a speech-language pathologist and or occupational therapist will first assess your child’s feeding skills, sensory responses, and mealtime behaviors.
Therapy may focus on:
- Increasing tolerance for new textures, smells, and foods
- Supporting oral motor skills like chewing and tongue movement
- Reducing sensory overwhelm around eating
- Building positive, low-pressure experiences with food
- Helping families create supportive and realistic mealtime routines
Therapy follows your child’s pace, often starting with non-eating interactions such as touching or smelling foods and gradually progressing toward tasting and eating as comfort increases.
How Feeding Therapy Can Help
With consistent support, feeding therapy can help children:
- Expand the variety of foods they accept
- Feel more comfortable and confident at mealtimes
- Improve nutrition and overall health
- Reduce stress for both children and caregivers
Most importantly, feeding therapy helps families turn mealtimes into more positive, connected experiences rather than daily struggles
Trust Your Instincts
A feeding evaluation doesn’t mean something is “wrong.” It simply gives you clarity, guidance, and a plan that meets your child where they are. With the right support, children can build confidence around food, expand their preferences, and make steady progress in a way that feels safe and encouraging.
If mealtimes feel stressful, overwhelming, or stuck in the same patterns, you’re not alone, and you’re not doing anything wrong. Many families wonder if their child will “grow out of it,” but when feeding challenges start to impact nutrition, development, or family routines, getting extra support can make a meaningful difference.
At SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy, our therapists bring both clinical expertise and a family-centered approach to feeding therapy. We work closely with caregivers to support real-life mealtimes, reduce stress, and help children develop skills that last well beyond the therapy room.
If you have questions or are wondering whether a feeding evaluation might be helpful for your child, we’re always happy to talk it through. Give us a call or send us an email today, because sometimes a small step can lead to big changes at the table!