Feeding advice please

[kilmarnock]

Anyone have any tips for a 17 month old with global developmental delay who I cannot get to eat. He turns his head the majority of time at purees and I am trying to get him used to finger foods which he will take to his mouth but then often chokes.

Have you had an OT and SLT assessment?
The OT will look at positioning for feeding as this can have a big impact, they will also assess for any sensory issues that might be causing your son to refuse food and advice on any equipment suggestions and feeding techniques that might help.
If he is choking when attempting to eat then the speech therapist might need to assess for any swallowing difficulties.

DD was similar at that age. I agree, OT and SLT should be ablw to help. What might help with chewing and also getting used to finger food is one of these Also, if you are worried about DC nutritionally you should be able to get a prescription for a fortified milk with extra calories like infatrini or fortini. It takes the pressure off for the feeding once you know they are getting what you need. Best of luck

Agree with getting a feeding specialist salt to observe / assess

With the purees, maybe try not blending everything up together, eg keeping separate tastes and colours. Then let him play with the food, make mess as he wishes. Also, if choking is a real concern ( is with my dd, we cannot let her feed herself cos of choking/ aspirating) you could just break up a couple of melty snacks like quavers or pom bears which are not likely to do much damage. We let dd do this- actually skips are the best cos they melt v quickly. Tis hardly nutrition but hey ho