Top tips for feeding- relating to learning disability
In this section
| Dos | * Do allow the child to eat their preferred and safe foods; this will maintain weight and allow the child to meet their expected growth pattern * Keep calm – pretend you do not mind them not eating even if you do. * Offer food regularly – this should be about every two hours. You should provide three meals each day and snacks between meals. * If the child never sits with you to eat, show them that you have a pleasant and relaxed time eating. Gentle encouragement to get them to join you, even for a short time, is progress. There should be no expectation of the child eating if they don’t normally. * If the child sits with you but is a slow eater, do not let the first course take over 20 minutes * Offer pudding even if the first course is not touched. All food is good food. * Try to eat in a relaxed environment. * Avoid having the TV, radio or music on at meal times. * Do work with the child’s sensory issues by helping them get used to the look, texture, smell and taste of new foods * Do use relaxation techniques to reduce the child’s anxiety around new foods and eating situations |
| Don’ts | * Don’t hide or disguise new foods (including medicines) in the child’s familiar foods as this will ‘contaminate’ the liked food leading to its refusal * Don’t allow the child to go for long periods without eating or drinking as differences in appetite regulation mean they are at risk of dehydration or weight loss * Never force the child to eat – this always makes the problem worse. * Do not comment on any uneaten food. |