Primary Care Perspectives: Episode 103 - Feeding Concerns in Children
May 26, 2021
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In this discussion, Colleen Lukens, a psychologist specializing in children's feeding concerns, joins Sherri Cohen, a medical director at the Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Center. They unpack various underlying causes of feeding disorders and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. Topics include common referrals, key feeding milestones, and strategies for parents dealing with picky eaters. They also highlight when to consider additional GI referrals and provide practical tips to encourage healthier eating habits in children.
Understanding the multifactorial causes of feeding disorders helps tailor interventions that address both medical and behavioral aspects in children.
Implementing positive, gradual exposure strategies can effectively encourage picky eaters to accept a wider variety of foods and improve nutrition.
Deep dives
Understanding Feeding Disorders in Toddlers
Feeding disorders in toddlers can manifest through behaviors such as refusing solid foods and relying heavily on milk from a bottle, often leading to nutritional concerns like obesity or iron deficiency. The primary approach involves assessing factors that contribute to these feeding issues, including oral motor function and swallowing safety, as well as addressing any underlying medical concerns. For instance, transitioning to lower-calorie beverages like Pediashore sidekicks may help improve nutritional intake while slowly reducing bottle dependency. Establishing a structured feeding routine and limiting access to favored foods is crucial for motivating the child to try new options and support healthier eating habits.
Collaborative Multidisciplinary Approach
A multidisciplinary team including pediatricians, dieticians, speech pathologists, and psychologists plays a vital role in diagnosing and managing feeding challenges in children. During initial visits, team members assess various factors like medical history, diet recall, and swallowing abilities, ensuring comprehensive evaluations that do not overwhelm the family. Insights gathered from multiple disciplines help in creating a collaborative treatment plan tailored to the child's specific needs. This systematic approach emphasizes addressing behavioral aspects along with medical conditions to facilitate effective interventions for feeding disorders.
Strategies for Addressing Picky Eating and Feeding Challenges
To manage picky eating, parents are encouraged to employ positive strategies such as gradual exposure to new foods alongside familiar favorites, helping children to accept a broader variety of flavors and textures. Techniques like allowing children to participate in meal prep can also enhance their interest in trying new foods while maintaining a supportive environment. Maintaining appropriate portion sizes and emphasizing modeling healthy eating behavior by parents serve to reinforce good habits, ultimately leading to better nutritional choices by their children. If fundamental strategies do not yield improvements, referral to specialized feeding clinics for further evaluation and support may be necessary.