As on occupational therapist in the early intervention field, parents often ask me, “Why won’t my child eat Stage 3 foods?” This is a very common concern for parents, since transitioning to new foods is a huge change for kids from both a motor and sensory (texture) standpoint. There are many differences between being fed Stage 2 and Stage 3 …
The Impact of Nutrition on Children with Low Muscle Tone
Note: This is the summary of an article by Kelly Dorfman, M.S., L.D.N. Nutritionsish and Cofounder DDR In last month’s issue we featured an article detailing the importance of nutrition services in Early Intervention and under what circumstances children can benefit from nutrition therapy services. Nutritionist Kelly Dorfman states that although “neurologists often attribute low muscle tone to imbalances in …
Should Children Drink Juice? Guidelines for Giving Fruit Juice to Young Children
As therapists we often visit families homes where babies are sucking juice out of bottles at 6 months old (or sooner!) and toddlers are carrying around juice filled sippy cups all day long. Juice is good for them right? Well, not really. Actually, young children do not really need juice to be healthy. Real fruit is a much healthier choice. …
Tips for Improving Your Child’s Eating Habits
General Ways to Improve Your Child’s Eating: Establish a daily schedule for your family Set consistent times for meals and snacks Do not allow eating between scheduled meals and snacks Limit liquid intake between meals and snacks to water only Limit juice and milk intake during meals and snacks Offer a drink only after a child has begun to eat …
Healthy Holiday Snacking for Kids – Alternatives Can Be Fun!
Holiday snacking does not have to be all about cookies and candies. If you plan ahead and involve your kids in the shopping and preparation, holiday snacking can not only be fun, but healthy as well. Here are some ideas for nutritious holiday snacks, as well as some simple tips to make fattening recipes more healthy for you and your …
Establishing Good Nutritional Habits for Babies and Children
Babies, toddlers, children and teens adults, too are their healthiest if they eat a variety of wholesome foods. Since the early years of your child’s life are such an important period of growth, make sure the baby’s diet includes foods rich in vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber. To answer the ever-asked question, “How much should I feed my …
Picky Eaters vs. Problem Feeders – Do You Know the Difference?
Copyright 1997/2019 Kay A. Toomey Unlike picky eating, problem feeding is not a normal part of child development. Children who are problem feeders often have inadequate caloric intake, poor weight gain and growth, as well as vitamin and mineral deficiencies. If left untreated, children who are problem feeders can suffer from malnutrition, dehydration, and impaired intellectual, emotional and academic development. …
The Importance of Breastfeeding for Babies (& Mothers!)
Pediatricians recommend breast milk for baby’s health. A mother’s milk has just the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein that is needed for a baby’s growth and development. Most babies find it easier to digest breast milk than they do formula. The antibodies in breast milk have been proven to help protect infants from bacteria and viruses. This helps …
Family Yoga: Practicing Yoga with Your Children
You might pass a billboard with an upside-down can of Coca-Cola on it with the word yoga underneath, or see an advertisement for pretzels claiming that it is the only snack that does yoga, or you might see people walking down the street in your neighborhood with brightly colored sticky mats. You know where they are going and sometimes you …
15 Ways to Encourage Expressive Speech and Language Skills with Your Child
In Early Intervention we see many children with delays in speech & language skills. The American Academy of Family Physicians states that 3-10% of all children present with a speech delay. Speech delays are more common in boys than in girls. Delays can result from a specific diagnosis such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, or hearing loss. Sometimes delays …