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Ah, feeding time—a time of bonding, relaxation, and nourishment… except when it’s not. More often than not, children have aversions to certain foods, or present some form of motor skill that prevents them from feeding correctly. At times, time is all it takes to work through the problem, however, specialists recommend taking action by scheduling a feeding evaluation.
A feeding evaluation is important because it is a highly personalized approach to assessing what the best way to feed your child is. Because there is no universal definition on what makes a pediatric feeding disorder, every case is unique. The highly experienced and empathetic staff of specialists at Katy Pediatric Associates can help families identify what may be causing the disorder and get back on track.
About the Feeding Process
With a newborn, everything changes and the new parents need to adapt to the new schedule, which is governed by the round-the-clock commitment of feeding the newest member of the family. In general, little babies get their nutrition from breast milk and/or formula during the first six months of their lives, after which they can begin incorporating solid foods.
Feeding time is not only a moment when the baby gets their nutrients, but one where they bond with the person feeding them, where they relax and enjoy. Every baby is different, so what works for one might not work for the other. Your pediatrician can offer advice that is personalized to your baby’s unique needs.
The First Year
No two babies are the same, however, they all need nourishment—physical and emotional. Now, what that looks like will vary from family to family. It is essential, though, that families understand the importance of proper nutrition for growth and development, especially during the first year, to avoid risk of chronic diseases and impaired development.
As you may well be aware by now, there is no manual that comes with being a parent. Because of this, there are no dumb questions about feeding time. You might wonder:
- When to feed the baby
- How much you should give them
- How long to breastfeed
- What the best formula is
- When they can eat solid food
- And more
A pediatrician will help you navigate all of these concerns and more, offering tailored advice, as every baby is different and there is no “right” way to do things, but “the right way for your family.”
A Feeding Evaluation
A feeding evaluation is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a specialist to determine whether a child has difficulties with eating, drinking, or swallowing, and to identify the underlying causes and recommend appropriate interventions.
At Katy Pediatric Associates, our Medical Director Asmaa Fotouh, MD, is committed to helping families who are struggling with feeding get back on track.
🍼 Read more: Benefits of a Newborn Feeding Evaluation
What to Expect During Your Feeding Evaluation in Katy, Texas
At Katy Pediatric Associates, a feeding evaluation begins by reviewing your child’s medical history and discussing your specific concerns.
Our specialist will also observe your child’s motor skills during feeding time and to assess whether they are reaching the appropriate developmental and feeding benchmarks for their age. During this phase, your doctor will look for irregularities such as irregular eating patterns or positions that deviate from the usual parameters, or whether food gets caught in their lungs.
🍼 Katy Pediatric Associates Tip: Try not to feed your child right before your appointment, so that they are hungry and your doctor can assess their behaviour properly.
Your Trusted Pediatric Practice
Anticipate your child’s feeding evaluation as instructed by your pediatrician. You may be asked to keep a food diary for a few days and/or bring cups and dishes from home so the child feels comfortable.
A feeding evaluation not only helps your little one, but your whole family as well. To schedule your feeding evaluation in Katy, Texas, with Katy Pediatric Associates, call 281-492-7676 or contact us online.