Gagging, pocketing, and spitting out foods...

If you are experiencing any of the following with your toddler or child, you need to read this post!  Everyday, children come into my office that want to eat, but just can't figure it out, and unfortunately parents read their cues as "I do not like this food".

1.  If your child is gagging on foods, especially if they are a new texture or flavor, it might not be that he/she does not like the food.  When babies are born, their cheeks are lined with tastebuds.  When we first introduce foods, they get a BLAST of flavor (even though we perceive purees to have no flavor) and they may shiver, make a "yuck" face, or gag.  These are all signs that they are adapting to the flavors.  Do not stop trying this food with your child.

If your toddler or preschooler is gagging on foods, it could be a hypersensitivity to texture, taste, or temperature.  If you stay consistent as I mentioned in my previous posts, you will be able to desensitize your child's mouth to accept new and different textures and flavors.

2.  If your child is pocketing foods you need to consider the following:
- Is the food you are offereing a complex texture? (ie: chicken, raw veggies, etc)
- Is the food you are offering in too big of a piece for your child to chew?
- Will your child eat other foods (chew and swallow them) while they are storing the other food in their cheeks?

These are all very different scenarios.  The bottom line, if your child is pocketing foods, DO NOT let them sleep with these foods in, run around with the food in their cheeks, or get up from the table with the food in their cheeks, as it can be a safety hazard.

3.  If your child is spitting out foods.  More often than not it is a texture/taste dislike for the food.  However, a small percentage of the time it is a significant oral motor issue.  Take a look at your child, when the food goes into their mouth, are they trying to chew it? Do they repeatedly put the spit out food back in their mouth?  If your child picks up a piece of food, puts it in his/her mouth, spits it out and keeps trying that same food, chances are he/she is having a difficult time understanding how to chew it and it may not be a dislike or "picky" eater situation.

As with all feeding difficulties, it is important to assess the mealtime and gather all the facts to determine if your child is giving you cues about why he/she is exhibiting these behaviors.  When in doubt contact an occupational therapist!