Understanding Oral Motor Function & Feeding Skill Development in Children
This information is sourced from the Evidence-Based Oral Motor Feeding Therapy workshop by Protea Therapy and Next Bite Feeding Therapy.
At Wonder Words Speech Pathology, we believe feeding is not just a daily routine, it's a vital developmental experience that impacts a child’s health, independence, connection, and confidence. In this post, we’ll explore how feeding skill difficulties can present in children, the underlying reasons why things might go wrong, and how speech pathologists can help support your child’s feeding journey with compassion, curiosity, and collaboration.
Why Is My Child Struggling with Feeding? Understanding Oral Motor and Feeding Skill Challenges
Feeding your child should be simple, but for many families, mealtimes turn into a daily stress. Maybe your child gags on certain foods, refuses anything that isn’t pureed, or takes forever to finish a meal. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone, and more importantly, you're not doing anything wrong.
Feeding is actually a very complex skill, involving the muscles of the mouth, tongue, jaw, and throat, all working together. When there’s a delay or difficulty in how these muscles move, it can affect how your child eats, drinks, chews, and swallows.
Let’s break down what feeding challenges can look like, why they happen, and how professionals, especially speech pathologists, can help.
What Do Feeding Challenges Look Like in Kids?
Feeding difficulties can show up in many ways. Some children might need:
Softer or pureed foods for longer than expected
Special feeding positions or equipment (like certain spoons or cups)
Extra strategies to make eating safe or more manageable
You might notice things like:
Very messy eating
Food or liquid falling out of the mouth
Slow chewing or swallowing food whole
Gagging or coughing while eating
Food is still in the mouth after swallowing
Trouble drinking from a straw or an open cup
Why Is This Happening?
There are two common reasons feeding can be tricky:
1. Oral Sensitivity
Some kids have very sensitive mouths. Certain textures (like lumps or crunchy bits) might feel strange or even scary. This can lead them to avoid certain foods, especially if they’ve gagged or choked before.
2. Delayed Oral Motor Skills
Skills like biting, chewing, and moving food around the mouth develop over time, and some kids just need extra support. If they haven’t had much practice with different textures, their skills may develop more slowly. This can create a frustrating cycle: they avoid tricky foods, so they don’t get to practice, which makes it even harder to improve.
Early Signs of Feeding Challenges (Baby to Toddler Age)
Still only eating purees after 9 months old
Gags, spits out, or refuses new solids
Can’t drink from a straw or open cup
Only eats from a bottle or pouch
What Feeding Challenges Can Look Like in School-Aged Kids
Mouth stuffing (putting too much food in at once)
Gagging on meats or mixed textures
Very slow eating or avoiding chewing
Prefers predictable, processed foods (like nuggets or hot chips)
When to See a Speech Pathologist
Speech pathologists don’t just help with speech; many are trained to support feeding and swallowing too.
Consider getting support if:
Feeding issues are affecting daily life (e.g. long mealtimes, family stress, poor nutrition)
Your child is developmentally ready to learn, but is struggling with the "how"
You’re feeling stuck or unsure about next steps
What Can a Speech Pathologist Help With?
We can work on:
Reducing gagging and tongue thrusts
Improving chewing, tongue movement, and biting
Learning to drink from a straw or open cup
Practicing safe swallowing
Building mealtime routines that help your child feel calm and confident
We may also work with other professionals, like occupational therapists, dietitians, or doctors, to get a full picture of your child’s needs.
Who’s on a Feeding Team?
Feeding involves the whole body, so your child’s support team might include:
Occupational Therapist (OT)
Dietitian
Paediatrician
Gastroenterologist
Physiotherapist
Psychologist
Dentist
GP or other specialists
Every child is different, and having the right team can make all the difference.
Feeding Therapy That Reflects Our Core Values
We Respect & Connect
Feeding is deeply personal. We approach each child with empathy, recognising that mealtime struggles can be emotional for the whole family. We build trust first, with your child and with you, and work at a pace that feels safe and respectful.
We’re in it Together
Feeding is a team effort. We collaborate closely with families and a multidisciplinary team that may include OTs, dietitians, paediatricians, gastroenterologists, physiotherapists, and psychologists. We ensure everyone is on the same page and that strategies work across all environments.
We Find the Fun
Feeding therapy doesn’t have to be clinical or stressful. We create playful, low-pressure opportunities to explore food through touch, taste, and experience. Every new bite, sip, or chew is celebrated as a step toward confidence and independence.
We Hustle
Feeding therapy requires creativity, persistence, and adaptability. Whether we’re problem solving gag reflexes or building up tongue strength, we stay curious, keep learning, and constantly tailor therapy to what works best for your child.
Let’s Support Your Child’s Feeding Journey Together
If your child is showing signs of feeding difficulties, whether it’s prolonged puree use, gagging on solids, or avoiding mealtimes, don’t wait. Early support can make a meaningful difference in how your child experiences food, nourishment, and connection.
Reach out to our team at Wonder Words Speech Pathology to learn how feeding therapy can help your child thrive, one bite at a time.
Please note: not all of our clinicians are trained in feeding, and if you have concerns, please mention this during intake so we can allocate your child to the most suitable clinician
