Re: This food thing is driving me nuts! - long

[Guest guest]

Sheryl

How about pieces of bread crust, or those teething cookies that are rock solid

and then crumble into a bazillion pieces and sticks to EVERYTHING afterwards? Or

grated cheese (just a few slivers so she doesn't ball it up and jam it all in

her mouth), little small pieces of pears or peaches (even if you bought the

small single serving cans---like the ones kids take in their lunches) that would

slide down if she didn't chew.

If I think of anything else I'll write again

Deb

This food thing is driving me nuts! - long

So, the food issue, blah blah blah...we all have been there, done

that. But, we are still plodding along trying to get Dalia to chew

anything...we now have an OT coming once a week and still the ST

coming once a week for feeding.

The problem I'm having is finding different things to put in front

of her that she **might** pick up and put in her mouth...AND NOT

CHOKE...because she still likes to just swallow everything whole.

Lately, she has tried to put pieces of chips, like tortilla or

potato, in her mouth and then just keeps it on her tongue until she

tries to get it out or it starts slipping back which is when I panic

(internally of course, because I don't want her to see me

panic)...so no more small chips for now..

The only 2 things I feel safe putting on her tray is muffin crumbs

and tiny banana pieces...and she only ever put the muffin crumbs in

her mouth...and boy was she proud! So, I know she wants to do it,

but what else can I give her that won't choke her if it goes down

whole??

I really feel like I am going to have to spoon feed her at her

wedding. :-)

TIA,

Sheryl (Dalia, 2 years RSS and Hanna, 4 mos non-RSS)

[Guest guest]

Hi Sheryl,

I know how you feel about the 2 years of spoon feeding. It's so hard,

because we need to offer food so often, and the little snacks that Dasia will

eat on her own could never amount to a meal. I'm always offering cinnamon toast

folded over and cut into strips, or toasted sandwiches in strips, hoping one day

she'll eat sandwiches, that would make my life so much easier! She'll take up to

3 bites and that's it. I've learned her gag reflex isn't as bad with toast as it

is with bread. I recently had luck with the twisted rotini noodles, she can hold

onto them and bite off pieces, I boil them in chicken broth. Other than that,

the only thing she feeds herself is crackers, cereal, or cheese. Never a meal

yet. I know she prefers to hold onto something, and bite little pieces off

herself. That started with cheese puffs. I wish there were some cut and dry

answers for these feeding issues, I know any one person's experience can't

really solve anything, kids are so individual. I just

started with pureed table food, and worked up, making foods a little chunkier

about every 4 weeks. Then lots of trial and error of offering everything I could

think of. Wish I had more advice for you, I know the frustration. Anyone else

have anything to add, we're wide open!

Mom to Dasia 22mo RSS

Avery 6, Jaden 3

olifraz wrote:

So, the food issue, blah blah blah...we all have been there, done

that. But, we are still plodding along trying to get Dalia to chew

anything...we now have an OT coming once a week and still the ST

coming once a week for feeding.

The problem I'm having is finding different things to put in front

of her that she **might** pick up and put in her mouth...AND NOT

CHOKE...because she still likes to just swallow everything whole.

Lately, she has tried to put pieces of chips, like tortilla or

potato, in her mouth and then just keeps it on her tongue until she

tries to get it out or it starts slipping back which is when I panic

(internally of course, because I don't want her to see me

panic)...so no more small chips for now..

The only 2 things I feel safe putting on her tray is muffin crumbs

and tiny banana pieces...and she only ever put the muffin crumbs in

her mouth...and boy was she proud! So, I know she wants to do it,

but what else can I give her that won't choke her if it goes down

whole??

I really feel like I am going to have to spoon feed her at her

wedding. :-)

TIA,

Sheryl (Dalia, 2 years RSS and Hanna, 4 mos non-RSS)

[Guest guest]

Sheryl,

I know what you are saying about spoon feeding Dalia. is 3

1/2 and still gets baby food mostly and fed at night through his J

tube. It is frustrating and scary for me as well because also

gags and chokes on things VERY easily. For the longest time, he

would put stuff in his mouth and just hold it there until it got all

soggy or dissolved on its own. Since we have been working with a

speech therapist, has gotten better at the chewing motion, but

not perfect. It is very hard for a lot of these kids. gets

tired after chewing so much and then he'll revert back to the holding

things in his mouth until they dissolve on their own. We are working

with using different tubes to help him build up the strength in his

jaw, too. We use a little Nuk brush and another chewy type tube.

Ask your therapist about these type of things. At first I wasn't

very gung ho about them, but they seem to have built up SOME strength

for him.

We are a little lucky with too. He asks for food. he wants

everything, but doesn't realize that he can't eat EVERYTHING! ;o)

But, at least he is interested in food, for the most part. Until I

want him to eat for sugar issues! LOL. But, right now his favorite

thing to eat is pretzels. And, this is good because he is practicing

chewing all the time. He also likes crackers. Can you give Dalia

Ritz or TownHouse crackers? A lot of those melt away pretty easily.

How about graham crackers? Also, there is that stuff called Puff

corn that is like pop corn, but without the hulls. It melts in your

mouth. I know, not the most healthy food, but at least she will gain

some practice eating some of it. Can she eat cheese? I don't ever

leave while he is eating. I have to stay right there in a

chair beside him and watch him. He tends to put too much in his

mouth. I let him do it all, but I am there in case he picks up too

big of a bite and tried to put it in his mouth. Can Dalia use a

spoon herself? How about yogurt, pudding, ice cream, cottage

cheese??? I am sure I am not much help here, but hopefully someone

else will come up with some great ideas for you to try. I just know

how it is when your child tries to eat and chokes and gags. I try to

give as much as possible, but he tires out or can't eat

certain things. It is so frustrating sometimes. And, it wouldn't be

so bad if I didn't have to worry about the calories. Because if he

spit it up, no big, deal, at least he got the practice. But, I don't

have that luxury! Every bite counts for us!!!!

I hope you find out some other ideas. Try the tubes though, to work

on strength and the chewing motions. Also, it helps with any

sensitivity issues in her mouth. has some in the back of his

mouth where he tends to lose track of the food and then it gags and

chokes him.

Jodi R.

>

> So, the food issue, blah blah blah...we all have been there, done

> that. But, we are still plodding along trying to get Dalia to chew

> anything...we now have an OT coming once a week and still the ST

> coming once a week for feeding.

>

> The problem I'm having is finding different things to put in front

> of her that she **might** pick up and put in her mouth...AND NOT

> CHOKE...because she still likes to just swallow everything whole.

> Lately, she has tried to put pieces of chips, like tortilla or

> potato, in her mouth and then just keeps it on her tongue until she

> tries to get it out or it starts slipping back which is when I

panic

> (internally of course, because I don't want her to see me

> panic)...so no more small chips for now..

>

> The only 2 things I feel safe putting on her tray is muffin crumbs

> and tiny banana pieces...and she only ever put the muffin crumbs in

> her mouth...and boy was she proud! So, I know she wants to do it,

> but what else can I give her that won't choke her if it goes down

> whole??

>

> I really feel like I am going to have to spoon feed her at her

> wedding. :-)

>

> TIA,

> Sheryl (Dalia, 2 years RSS and Hanna, 4 mos non-RSS)

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for all the responses...I will be trying cheese shreds and

pasta pieces - those are great ideas.

Dalia does use the chewy tubes and nuk...although she is soooo

sensitive on the sides and back of her mouth that it is a huge

struggle to do it....but, I'm sure one day it'll be much better.

I just have this huge fear of her choking since everything slides

straight down her throat!

Thanks!

>

> So, the food issue, blah blah blah...we all have been there, done

> that. But, we are still plodding along trying to get Dalia to

chew

> anything...we now have an OT coming once a week and still the ST

> coming once a week for feeding.

>

> The problem I'm having is finding different things to put in front

> of her that she **might** pick up and put in her mouth...AND NOT

> CHOKE...because she still likes to just swallow everything whole.

> Lately, she has tried to put pieces of chips, like tortilla or

> potato, in her mouth and then just keeps it on her tongue until

she

> tries to get it out or it starts slipping back which is when I

panic

> (internally of course, because I don't want her to see me

> panic)...so no more small chips for now..

>

> The only 2 things I feel safe putting on her tray is muffin crumbs

> and tiny banana pieces...and she only ever put the muffin crumbs

in

> her mouth...and boy was she proud! So, I know she wants to do it,

> but what else can I give her that won't choke her if it goes down

> whole??

>

> I really feel like I am going to have to spoon feed her at her

> wedding. :-)

>

> TIA,

> Sheryl (Dalia, 2 years RSS and Hanna, 4 mos non-RSS)

>

[Guest guest]

Sheryl - you know - I used to give Ian peas, blueberries,

strawberries, and pasta. BUT, I would crush them first so that he

would still feel the " texture " (as opposed to baby food) and would

also taste the " real " thing. After crushing the peas and

blueberries (one by one - yes, it takes time) I would put a few in

the bowl and then give them to him to pick up himself. This is

great for sensory as well because they have the chance to " touch "

the food too. If she swallows it - it's already smashed anyway -

she should be " okay " . Try one and see how it goes. The

strawberries I had to grind up. I always let Ian use his hands to

eat - but, he became very interested in the spoon right away. I

bought a spoon made by Gerber that has bumps on it and another one

with swirls on it. These are great for sensory as well. Hand to

mouth sensory is also very important. If you are worried about the

calories and getting as much in a meal as you can. Fill Dalia up

with her " regular " type feeding until she's not quite finished - and

then let her try the hand stuff I mentioned. If that doesn't work,

try giving it to her first and then her regular food. She may

surprise you. Also, if she's REALLY hungry (are they ever ? LOL)

she will probably try it. Otherwise, I think the after calorie idea

is a better one. And, a little suggestion - KEEP trying the same

thing over and over. In " MY " opinion - which is not medical - being

repetative is very important, it not only sends a clear message that

this is what you would like her to do - but, it also helps her

sensory be consistent so that she gets used to it. Trying TOO many

things too suddenly may overpower those senses and she may give you

a harder time. Again - nothing medical - but, maybe something I

learned when we worked with Ian. My best to you. I'm right there

with you - we all face the eating thing - just different issues at

different times. Hugs.

- H

> >

> > So, the food issue, blah blah blah...we all have been there,

done

> > that. But, we are still plodding along trying to get Dalia to

> chew

> > anything...we now have an OT coming once a week and still the ST

> > coming once a week for feeding.

> >

> > The problem I'm having is finding different things to put in

front

> > of her that she **might** pick up and put in her mouth...AND NOT

> > CHOKE...because she still likes to just swallow everything

whole.

> > Lately, she has tried to put pieces of chips, like tortilla or

> > potato, in her mouth and then just keeps it on her tongue until

> she

> > tries to get it out or it starts slipping back which is when I

> panic

> > (internally of course, because I don't want her to see me

> > panic)...so no more small chips for now..

> >

> > The only 2 things I feel safe putting on her tray is muffin

crumbs

> > and tiny banana pieces...and she only ever put the muffin crumbs

> in

> > her mouth...and boy was she proud! So, I know she wants to do

it,

> > but what else can I give her that won't choke her if it goes

down

> > whole??

> >

> > I really feel like I am going to have to spoon feed her at her

> > wedding. :-)

> >

> > TIA,

> > Sheryl (Dalia, 2 years RSS and Hanna, 4 mos non-RSS)

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Just thought I'd let you know that tonight I tried Velveeta Cheese with Brockton

and he LOVED it. I just tore off little pieces and put them in his mouth and he

was going " MMMMMMMMM " the whole time. It's soft and creamy, not really mushy.

I don't know if it's something that Dalia will like, but it might be worth a

try. I bought the brick cheese, not the slices. Good luck.

advocate22003 wrote: Sheryl - P.S.- We did the chewy

tube thing for a while too. It

didn't work for us. He only chewed on one side of his mouth. We

haven't done the chewy tube in over 6 months - but, he can now chew

on the other side. You mentioned the Nuk. The pacifier is HORRIBLE

for Ian. Ian has horrible mouth problems - but, nothing fixable

until he is older. However, I've been told 5 times (by three

different pediatric dentists and two orthodontists - that I'm making

it worse by using his pacifier) He only uses it on one side of his

mouth - the side he uses most to chew on. I won't take it from him

until he turns 3. My children " need " the pacifier. had

one until he was 3 1/2 and his mouth is fine. Ian will lose it a

little earlier - but, for now - with all the doctor appointments,

hospital stays, etc - he looks for it for comfort. It was the only

thing that helped him during his long hospital stay. We only allow

him to have it now (for the last 6 months) at bed times. In about

4.5 more months - we will bring it to the mall by accident and lose

it. LOL The movers when we moved from IL to VA lost 's.

We figured the stress with moving was bad enough - what was wrong

with adding a little more? (Aren't we mean? Not really. It

worked - he's never asked for it since.) Good Luck with everything.

- H

> >

> > So, the food issue, blah blah blah...we all have been there,

done

> > that. But, we are still plodding along trying to get Dalia to

> chew

> > anything...we now have an OT coming once a week and still the ST

> > coming once a week for feeding.

> >

> > The problem I'm having is finding different things to put in

front

> > of her that she **might** pick up and put in her mouth...AND NOT

> > CHOKE...because she still likes to just swallow everything

whole.

> > Lately, she has tried to put pieces of chips, like tortilla or

> > potato, in her mouth and then just keeps it on her tongue until

> she

> > tries to get it out or it starts slipping back which is when I

> panic

> > (internally of course, because I don't want her to see me

> > panic)...so no more small chips for now..

> >

> > The only 2 things I feel safe putting on her tray is muffin

crumbs

> > and tiny banana pieces...and she only ever put the muffin crumbs

> in

> > her mouth...and boy was she proud! So, I know she wants to do

it,

> > but what else can I give her that won't choke her if it goes

down

> > whole??

> >

> > I really feel like I am going to have to spoon feed her at her

> > wedding. :-)

> >

> > TIA,

> > Sheryl (Dalia, 2 years RSS and Hanna, 4 mos non-RSS)

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Jodi - great advice Jodi. Also, sometimes we talk and talk and

talk - and I don't always " get " that there are so many things going

on in each person's life - I'm so glad you posted this because it

helps me and I'm sure others know what you are dealing with. I

can't imagine anyone having to SIT there the entire time you feed a

child. I did it when Ian was younger - but, this would take up SO

much of your time. You and those dealing with similar issues have a

lot to be proud of - you are the best. You are truly amazing.

- H

> >

> > So, the food issue, blah blah blah...we all have been there,

done

> > that. But, we are still plodding along trying to get Dalia to

chew

> > anything...we now have an OT coming once a week and still the ST

> > coming once a week for feeding.

> >

> > The problem I'm having is finding different things to put in

front

> > of her that she **might** pick up and put in her mouth...AND NOT

> > CHOKE...because she still likes to just swallow everything

whole.

> > Lately, she has tried to put pieces of chips, like tortilla or

> > potato, in her mouth and then just keeps it on her tongue until

she

> > tries to get it out or it starts slipping back which is when I

> panic

> > (internally of course, because I don't want her to see me

> > panic)...so no more small chips for now..

> >

> > The only 2 things I feel safe putting on her tray is muffin

crumbs

> > and tiny banana pieces...and she only ever put the muffin crumbs

in

> > her mouth...and boy was she proud! So, I know she wants to do

it,

> > but what else can I give her that won't choke her if it goes

down

> > whole??

> >

> > I really feel like I am going to have to spoon feed her at her

> > wedding. :-)

> >

> > TIA,

> > Sheryl (Dalia, 2 years RSS and Hanna, 4 mos non-RSS)

> >

>