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Children and young people who find eating difficult can benefit from exploring food at a level where they are comfortable. For young children this can look like messy food play, but for older children and young people we can look at exploring foods in a different way.
Exploring foods without the pressure to eat them, can help your child stay interested food.
It allows your child be familiar with the sensory characteristics of foods they do not eat. Your child can get up close with the feel, look and smell.
Research has shown that children or young people who can tolerate certain textures in their hands are more likely to be able to accept those textures in their mouth.
You should focus on letting your child explore food in a positive and curious way. Offering your child some control around food, and give them opportunities to explore food without pressure of eating. It is important to follow your child’s cues and wishes. If they show that they are not enjoying this or has lost interest please stop. The focus is on having fun.
Older children can benefit from using science and maths as a way to explore foods. Science experiments or investigations are a great way to explore the properties of foods, for example,
You can also use:
It is important not to put pressure on your child, especially pressure to eat the new foods.
Remember the hierarchy towards acceptance of new foods
It can take time at each stage and foods may need to be introduced multiple times at each level before moving onto the next stage or next food.
For more information please contact Jane Shaw, Clinical Lead for Paediatric Dysphagia (Feeding and Swallowing) or call 0114 271 7452.
Please note: this is a generic information sheet relating to care at Sheffield Children’s NHS FT. These details may not reflect treatment at other hospitals. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professionals’ instructions. If this resource relates to medicines, please read it alongside the medicine manufacturer’s patient information leaflet. If this information has been translated into another language from English, efforts have been made to maintain accuracy, but there may still be some translation errors. If you are unsure about any of the guidance in this resource or have specific questions about how it relates to your child, always ask your healthcare professional for further advice.
Resource number: SL289
Resource Type: Article
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S10 2TH
United Kingdom
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