Signs and Symptoms of a Feeding Delay/Disorder

(American Speech-Language and Hearing Association, ASHA)

Your child may have a feeding or swallowing problem if they:

• arch their back or stiffen when feeding

• cry or fuss when feeding

• fall asleep when feeding

• have problems breastfeeding

• have trouble breathing while eating and drinking

• refuse to eat or drink

• eat only certain textures, such as soft food or crunchy food

• take a long time to eat

• pocket (which means to hold food in their mouth)

• have problems chewing

• cough or gag during meals

• drool a lot or have liquid come out of their mouth or nose

• get stuffy during meals

• have a gurgly, hoarse, or breathy voice during or after meals

• spit up or throw up a lot

• are not gaining weight or growing