What Is Feeding Therapy for Cleft Babies?
Some babies need extra help learning to feed. Here is what feeding therapy involves.
Feeding therapy helps babies and children with cleft palate develop the skills needed to eat effectively and safely.
- Who needs it:
- Babies who struggle with bottle feeding
- Children who have difficulty transitioning to solids
- Those who choke or gag during feeds
- Children with poor weight gain
- Babies with severe clefts who need extra support
- What a feeding therapist does:
- Evaluates the baby's oral motor skills
- Recommends the best bottle and nipple type
- Teaches proper positioning and pacing
- Works on oral motor exercises to strengthen the mouth
- Helps with the transition to solid foods
- Addresses aversions to certain textures or temperatures
- Feeding milestones after palate repair:
- After palate repair (9-12 months), many feeding challenges improve
- Babies can learn to drink from a regular cup
- Transition to solid foods progresses
- Some children need ongoing feeding therapy
- Who provides feeding therapy:
- Speech-language pathologists with feeding training
- Occupational therapists
- Lactation consultants
- Feeding specialists on the cleft team
Clinical Guidance
Feeding therapy helps babies with cleft palate develop oral motor skills for effective feeding. It addresses bottle feeding, transition to solids, and any feeding aversions. The cleft team's feeding specialist provides guidance and support.