Feeding Concerns
Feeding Concerns in Children
Feeding concerns are common at many stages of childhood — from infancy through the toddler and school-age years. Whether it’s picky eating, slow weight gain, mealtime struggles, or concerns about intake, our team is here to help guide families with reassurance and practical support.
What Are Feeding Concerns?
Feeding concerns can look different depending on your child’s age and development. Some concerns are temporary and part of normal growth, while others may benefit from medical evaluation and guidance.
Common Feeding Concerns by Age
Families may notice:
- Infants who struggle with latch, reflux symptoms, or frequent spit-up
- Toddlers who are picky eaters or refuse certain textures
- Children who eat very small amounts or skip meals
- Mealtime battles or anxiety around eating
- Concerns about weight gain or growth
- Choking, gagging, or coughing with feeds
What You Can Try at Home
Helpful strategies may include:
- Offering regular meals and snacks on a consistent schedule
- Creating a calm, distraction-free eating environment
- Letting your child decide how much to eat while you decide what is offered
- Avoiding pressure, bribing, or forcing bites
- Offering a variety of foods repeatedly, even if initially refused
- Modeling healthy eating behaviors as a family
When to Call Us
Call our office if your child has:
- Poor weight gain or weight loss
- Feeding struggles that cause stress for your family
- Frequent vomiting, choking, or coughing with feeds
- Refusal of entire food groups
- Signs of dehydration or fatigue
- Feeding concerns during infancy
📞 Call (816) 792-1170 and select option 3 to reach nurse triage.
When to Seek Urgent or Emergency Care
Seek urgent or emergency care if your child has:
- Trouble breathing during feeds
- Blue lips or face
- Severe choking episodes
- Signs of significant dehydration
- Lethargy or difficulty waking
How We Evaluate and Support Feeding Concerns
Your provider will review your child’s growth, feeding history, and overall health. Support may include nutrition guidance, reassurance about normal developmental phases, or referrals to lactation consultants, feeding specialists, or therapists when appropriate. Our goal is to support healthy growth while keeping mealtimes positive and stress-free.
Prevention and Long-Term Support
Supporting healthy feeding habits early can help prevent long-term challenges:
- Establish predictable meal routines
- Encourage variety without pressure
- Address constipation or reflux early
- Focus on growth trends rather than single meals
Schedule an Appointment
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s development, we’re here to help.
Request an Appointment through our online form, or call our nurse triage line for guidance.
