Navigating Texture Sensitivities: A Complete Guide to Strategies

Helping kids with texture issues enjoy a variety of healthy foods can be tough. This guide is here to help parents make mealtimes easier and more fun for everyone.

Understanding Texture Sensitivities:

Some kids don’t like certain food textures. It might make them feel uncomfortable in their mouth or hands. This can happen because of how their body processes senses, or from bad experiences with food when they were younger.

Signs of Texture Sensitivities:

• Kids might gag or choke on foods with certain textures.
• They might only want to eat or touch foods with a certain texture.
• They might get upset during meals.

Tips for Helping Kids with Texture Sensitivities:

Take it slow: Start by giving them tiny bits of new textures.
Keep trying: Offer them new textures often. They might get used to them over time.
Mix it up: Mix new textures with ones they already like, and slowly add more of the new one.

Therapy Techniques:

Play with food: Let them touch and play with different textures.
Try different activities: Help them get used to textures without eating them.

Involving Kids in Food Prep:

Cook together: Let them help cook so they can learn about different textures.
Let them choose: Ask them which new textures they want to try.

Working with Professionals:

Talk to a feeding therapist: They can give personalized tips.
Keep track of progress: Regular visits can help adjust strategies.

Addressing Nutrition:

Focus on healthy foods: Try to include lots of nutrients, even if they’re in textures your child likes.
Change how you cook: Try new cooking methods to change textures.

Tips for Parents:

Be patient: Texture issues are real for kids.
Celebrate small steps: Even tiny improvements are worth celebrating.
Keep learning: Stay informed about texture issues and feeding tips.

Helping kids with texture issues can be a long journey. But with patience, creativity, and help from professionals, mealtimes can become easier and more enjoyable for everyone.

Want our FREE parent guide to get you started on the right path with mealtimes? Download it here

Not sure if your child needs help? Take our free 2 minute quiz here