Early Feeding Skills: How OT Can Help with Fussy Eaters

Feeding time can be a delightful adventure — or sometimes a bit of a tricky challenge! If you have a little one who’s a picky eater, a messy mealtime explorer, or someone who tends to avoid certain foods, you’re not alone. At Nurtured Growth Therapy, we understand the ups and downs of early feeding, and how occupational therapy (OT) can gently support your child’s journey toward confident, happy eating.

Developing self-feeding skills

The Building Blocks: Oral-Motor and Self-Feeding Skills

Before a child can enjoy a wide variety of foods, their mouth and hands need to work together like a well-rehearsed team. Oral-motor skills involve the muscles of the lips, tongue, cheeks, and jaw — all crucial for chewing, swallowing, and tasting safely. Self-feeding skills, like holding a spoon or picking up finger foods, build independence and confidence.

These skills develop gradually through playful practice:

• Blowing bubbles or making silly faces to strengthen mouth muscles

• Exploring different textures with fingers and toys

• Practicing scooping and bringing food to the mouth with small utensils

Every little bite and messy moment is a step forward in learning and growing.

Helping Picky, Messy, and Avoidant Eaters Thrive

Fussiness around food is very common in toddlers and young children — and it often reflects their natural curiosity, sensory sensitivities, or simply a preference for routines. As an OT, I take a warm, playful approach to help children explore food without pressure, making mealtimes a space for discovery rather than stress.

Here’s how we support fussy eaters:

• Sensory play with food: Touching, smelling, and even playing with food can help children become comfortable with new textures and smells in a safe, pressure-free way.

• Gradual exposure: Introducing new foods bit by bit, alongside favourites, builds familiarity and reduces overwhelm.

• Developing self-feeding skills: Encouraging children to feed themselves boosts their sense of control and independence.

• Routine and environment: Creating calm, predictable mealtime routines helps children feel secure and open to trying new things.

Messy eaters? That’s part of the fun and learning! We celebrate every little splash and squish as a step toward mastering feeding skills.

When to Seek Support

Sometimes, feeding challenges might feel bigger or more persistent — like when a child refuses to eat a wide variety of foods, struggles with chewing or swallowing safely, or shows strong sensory aversions. These situations can affect growth, nutrition, and family mealtimes.

If you notice any of the following, it might be time to reach out for help:

• Frequent gagging, choking, or coughing during meals

• Avoidance of entire food groups (like all solids or textures)

• Prolonged refusal to eat or significant weight concerns

• High levels of mealtime stress or anxiety for your child or family

Occupational therapists are specially trained to assess and support feeding difficulties, working alongside families with warmth, patience, and tailored strategies.

Helpful Resources for Parents

Navigating feeding challenges can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone! Here are some trusted, parent-friendly resources to guide you on this journey:

• The Feeding Doctor — feedingdoctor.com

  A gentle approach to understanding and managing feeding difficulties with expert advice and tips.

  
  

• Zero to Three: Feeding & Eating — zerotothree.org

  Practical and nurturing guidance on feeding milestones and picky eating in young children.

• The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA): Feeding and Eating — aota.org

  Explains how OT supports children with feeding challenges and offers home activity ideas.

  
  

• Be My Baby – Feeding Support (Australia-based) — bemybaby.com.au

  Support and resources specifically tailored for Australian families dealing with feeding and nutrition concerns.

  
  

• Feeding Matters — feedingmatters.org

  Provides educational resources and support for families of children with paediatric feeding disorders.

At Nurtured Growth Therapy, I’m here to support you and your child’s feeding journey with kindness, patience, and playfulness. If feeding feels challenging right now, please don’t hesitate to get in touch — together, we’ll make mealtimes joyful and full of growth.