Disabilities
Perspectives on Parenting©
by Nancy Lambert Davenport

Nancy Davenport's Column:
Richardson News 3-21-99
Copyright Nancy Lambert Davenport 1999

"Infant Feeding"

Parents of kids of all ability levels have benefited from research and learning done on behalf of children with disabilities. We have learned to play more intelligently and more purposefully with all our children as a result. We have learned many preventative medical measures that have helped all children. We have learned how to assist all children in their language development because of research and study done with children with language delays.

I have noticed though that parents of babies without disabilities have not picked up on all that we have learned about the importance of feeding. We have learned so much that can help everyone. By being systematic, parents can prevent many childhood problems, from having allergies to creating a picky eater.

There are many things that can be done to prepare an infant for successful transition from liquid to pureed solid food.

Be sure your baby is ready. It varies remarkably from child to child.
Have your child in near a sitting position with head, back and feet supported.
Be face to face with your child while feeding - not above or behind or to the side. He will want to look at you, and facing straight forward makes it easier to swallow.
Be focused on the process yourself, not talking on the phone or cooking dinner. This is a social time for your baby. He will also be developing those skills as he eats.
Use a small spoon and small bites. Too much food in one bite may cause frustration and fatigue.
Avoid teaching new skills while he is really hungry or frustration and anger may set in.
Approach your child's mouth with the spoon from in front and slightly below the mouth. Place the spoon on the center front of the tongue. Do not lift and scrape the spoon off. Allow your child's lips to close around the spoon before you remove it.
Don't rush. Allow him to finish a bite before presenting another.

During this time your baby will be developing a sucking skills that is more successful for these solid foods. He also may begin what looks like a chewing motion when something touches his gums. Allow him to practice by chewing (with supervision) on things with different textures like certain toys, a wash cloth, or your finger.

Over time, gradually thicken the food with something neutral tasting like rice cereal.

Once your baby has conquered the beginning steps of eating solid food, he can move on to food with more texture. This may be foods like mashed potatoes, eggs, bananas, or cottage cheese. Don't be surprised at resistance to these textures. This is a very dramatic change, and many kids of all abilities resist it. Kids with disabilities may take a long time to adjust to this change. Be patient. To encourage him through this stage:

Once again sit directly in front of him. If necessary, gently place your finger below the lower lip and move the jaw up and down a little to give him a feel for what needs to be done. Demonstrate with your own mouth. Have a smile on your face at all times, so he knows it is supposed to be good. Honor any protests he might have and avoid a battle. Acceptance will come, but it may take time.
Instead of the center now place the food alternately on different sides of the mouth. This helps him exercise his tongue, and encourages him to use his whole mouth.
Don't mix food textures while he is learning to chew. This will be a turn off to any baby.

Once he is able to eat this food successfully, and only then, move on to offering finely chopped foods. During this time he will be gaining mature chewing pattern. Don't forget to model the chewing motion. Encourage mouth closure. For many children this is difficult, but keep encouraging it. Chewing is tiring for many kids so allow plenty of time for eating.

A few last tips.

Keep in mind that learning to eat is a messy project. Accept it.
Kids at this age have no understanding of hurry, so leave plenty of time. Accept it.
Offer new foods one at a time along with familiar foods.
Have a family meal time so young children can have role models and learn the pleasure of companionship at meals.
Keep meal time fun and positive. It will pay off along the way.

Thank you to an article by Joan E. Medlen in Disability Solutions, "From Milk to Table Foods: A Parent's Guild to Introducing Food Textures," January/February, 1999.

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Nancy Lambert Davenport
EMAIL: ndavenport@ticnet.com
URL: http://www.nancyldavenport.com