Pediatric Feeding Therapy
in Newport Beach, CA
Supporting Infants, Children & Teens to Enjoy Mealtimes Safely
Is mealtime a daily challenge in your home? Does your child eat only a limited variety of foods or struggle to chew and swallow safely? Mealtimes are not only important for getting the nutrients your child needs for their growth and health, but it’s also a great social activity that can bring families and friends closer together.
Our certified feeding therapists support children and teens to overcome a wide range of eating and feeding challenges. Call today to book your appointment, and let’s help your child reach their fullest potential.
What Is Pediatric Feeding Therapy?
Pediatric feeding therapy helps children develop the skills they need to safely chew and swallow, or to nurse from the breast or bottle. It can also help children learn to accept a wider variety of nutritious foods. Our certified feeding therapists are specially trained to address all areas of feeding, including:
- Oral-motor skills (chewing, swallowing, latching)
- Sensitivity to different textures, flavors, or types of food
- Mealtime anxiety or behavioral challenges
- Medically complex feeding challenges (e.g., reflux, tongue tie, etc.)
Who Can Benefit from Pediatric Feeding Therapy?
Our feeding therapists support infants, toddlers, children, and teens who struggle with eating or have difficulty progressing through typical feeding stages. Reach out to us for an evaluation if your child:
- Refuses entire food groups (e.g., all fruits, all proteins)
- Gags, coughs, or chokes while eating
- Avoids foods based on texture, temperature, or smell
- Holds food in their mouth without swallowing
- Struggles to latch, suck, or swallow from the breast or bottle
- Shows extreme resistance to trying new foods
- Has a history of reflux, feeding tubes, or other medical feeding issues
- Takes excessively long to finish meals. (for example, over 30 minutes for a meal)
- Shows signs of oral-motor weakness (drooling, messy eating)
- Gets anxious, frustrated, or upset during mealtimes
Our Approach to Pediatric Feeding Therapy
At Stepping Stones, we treat feeding challenges with patience, compassion, and clinical expertise. We know that every child has unique strengths and limitations, and that every family has their own mealtime goals.
Our therapists have advanced training and certification in evidence-based approaches to feeding disorders. We use a combination of proven strategies to help children build their confidence around food, one step at a time. We also work closely with families to make progress sustainable at home.
Benefits of Feeding Therapy for Infants, Children & Teens
With our support, your child can enjoy better health and more comfortable mealtimes. Pediatric feeding therapy can help them:
- Expand their food choices and variety
- Improve chewing, swallowing, and oral coordination
- Reduce choking, gagging, or food refusal
- Feel more confident and relaxed during meals
- Eat more independently and efficiently
- Gain weight and nutrition more consistently
- Enjoy mealtimes with less stress for the whole family
Client Testimonials
Why Choose Stepping Stones?
Families in Orange County choose us for our longstanding reputation for exceptional care. We take the time to get to know your child and your family, and we’re proud to offer our community:
- Highly trained therapists with advanced certifications
- Personalized, goal-driven treatment plans
- A holistic, team-based approach to care
- A warm, sensory-friendly clinic environment
- Strong partnerships with families and other providers
- Proven success in helping children reach their fullest potential
Reach Out Today to Get Started with Pediatric Feeding Therapy
Don’t wait to get help for feeding challenges. Early intervention can empower your child to eat and drink with confidence. Reach out to Stepping Stones at at (949) 955-0010 today, and let’s work together to help your child enjoy family mealtimes.