Bottle and breastfeeding
Trouble latching or sucking, coughing or choking during feeds, very long or very short feeds, stress or crying at feeds, or concerns about weight gain.
Infant feeding
Babies and toddlers · Pediatric feeding therapy · Fort Worth, TX
Feeding therapy for babies and toddlers
From the first bottle to the first bites and the toddler years, feeding is a skill that develops in stages. If one of those stages is hard, skilled support can make it easier for your child and for you.
Signs by stage
When feeding is harder than it should be
Feeding skills develop in stages, and each stage has its own warning signs.
Starting solids
Strong refusal of purees or lumps, gagging that is frequent or ends in vomiting, or trouble moving from purees to textured foods.
The move to solidsToddler mealtimes
A very short list of foods, refusal of textures, trouble chewing, or mealtimes that end in meltdowns.
Toddler eatingSome gagging is a normal part of learning solid foods. Gagging that is frequent, ends in vomiting, or makes a child afraid to eat is worth asking about.
Babies born early, including micro preemies, and babies with complex medical conditions can need extra support with feeding. We work alongside your child’s medical team.
If a baby is choking, struggling to breathe, or turning blue during a feed, call 911 right away. If your baby is feeding poorly and has very few wet diapers, call your pediatrician promptly.
How we help
Support for babies and toddlers, and for you
Your involvement is part of the plan, from the first visit onward.
- 1
Comprehensive evaluation
We assess oral motor skills, swallow safety, sensory needs, and overall feeding development for your child’s age.
- 2
Individualized plan
You receive a personalized plan with clear goals and measurable progress.
- 3
Hands-on therapy
Play-based, developmentally appropriate therapy, with parent education and a home program. Bottle and breastfeeding support is part of this, and you can read about lactation support.
Questions parents ask
Answers to common questions
When should I worry about my baby’s feeding?
Ask for help if feeds are often stressful, your baby coughs or chokes, feeds take very long, or you have concerns about weight gain. Trust your instincts. An early conversation costs little.
Is gagging normal?
Some gagging is normal as babies learn solids. Gagging that is frequent, ends in vomiting, or leads your child to refuse foods is worth an evaluation.
Do you help with both bottle and breastfeeding?
Yes. We offer bottle and breastfeeding support, including help with the oral motor skills feeding depends on.
Do you see babies born early or with medical needs?
Yes. We treat infants and children with complex medical conditions, and we work closely with their medical teams.
Do I need a referral or a diagnosis?
No. You do not need a diagnosis to ask for a feeding evaluation. Many families start by calling us, or by raising their concerns with their pediatrician.
Do you take insurance?
The Feeding Spot is a private-pay practice and does not bill insurance. Many families use out-of-network benefits, and we can provide a superbill on request. See the investment and payment details.
Articles
More on this topic
Gagging vs. Choking in Babies and Toddlers
Gagging is a normal protective reflex and choking is an emergency. Learn the differences and when gagging deserves a closer look.
Read the article →What to Expect at a Feeding Evaluation
A feeding evaluation looks at how your child eats and why it is hard. Here is what happens, what to bring, and what comes next.
Read the article →Paying for Feeding Therapy: Out-of-Network Care
How private-pay feeding therapy works, what a superbill is, and what to ask your insurance company about out-of-network reimbursement.
Read the article →
Get in touch
Questions about your baby or toddler’s feeding?
Call or text, or send an email. We will help you work out whether a feeding evaluation is the right next step.
This page is general information. It does not replace an individual evaluation, a diagnosis, or medical advice.