Feeding Problems in Infants and Children: Assessment and Etiology

Abstract

Feeding problems in infants and young children are common. In healthy children who are developing and growing normally, feeding problems are usually not serious and can be managed conservatively by reassuring the family and providing them with anticipatory guidance and follow-up. A majority of serious childhood feeding problems occur in children who have other medical, developmental, or behavioral problems. These are best evaluated and treated by an interprofessional team who can identify and address issues in the medical and/or developmental history, problems with oral motor control and function, problems with swallowing, and behavioral and/or sensory issues that may interfere with normal feeding.

Keywords: Children; Development of feeding skills; Dysphagia; Feeding evaluation; Feeding problems; Infants.