Pediatric Feeding Therapy
Pediatric Feeding Therapy is a specialty service at Thrive, provided by Physiotherapy and Speech & Language Therapy team members with additional training in pediatric feeding. We support children with challenges related to eating, drinking, food variety, textures, oral motor skills, chewing, swallowing and sensory sensitivities. Using a responsive, child-centered approach, we work alongside families to build feeding skills, confidence and positive experiences while making mealtimes safer, more comfortable and more enjoyable.
Why families come to us
- A very limited list of accepted foods
- Gagging or distress with new textures
- Mealtimes that regularly end in tears or battles
- Slow or difficult transition to solids
- Concerns about growth or nutrition
- Trouble moving from bottle or breast to cup
Signs your child may benefit
- Eats fewer than 20 different foods
- Refuses entire food groups or textures
- Takes a very long time to finish meals
- Becomes upset when new food is simply on the plate
- Still relies heavily on milk, purées or bottles past infancy
- Mealtimes feel stressful for the whole family
What to expect at an evaluation
No pressure, no jargon - just a relaxed first visit focused on your child.
We listen first
We talk through your child's eating history, favourite foods and what mealtimes look like at home.
We explore together
With no pressure and plenty of play, we observe how your child responds to different foods and textures.
We plan together
You'll get practical mealtime strategies and a gentle, step-by-step plan for expanding your child's diet.