At our office, we love to promote feeding with a variety of hard, crunchy foods. This is because it is important for the development of the jaw and muscle function. What comes to mind when you think of typical toddler foods? Maybe, applesauce pouches, mac and cheese, goldfish crackers. These foods are yummy and convenient. They may still be good to have in moderation. However, a lot of the “typical” toddler foods are soft and processed foods that don’t put the oral muscles to work. It is important to allow your toddler to get a lot of chewing practice as they grow. This chewing practice can assist with proper oral development which may in turn assist with preventing the need for later intervention (i.e. orthodontic work, sleep apnea, speech therapy).
We want to provide you with some top foods for your toddler so they can thrive!
Veggies: carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, cucumbers, and peppers are just a few
Meat: strips of chicken, bacon, jerky
Fruits: apples, strawberries, mangos, pears
Other: chips, crackers - should be consumed in moderation due to often getting stuck in the teeth leading to build up
At Building Blocks Therapy Services, our therapists are equipped with the skills and knowledge to help your child with their feeding skills. Please, visit www.buildingblocksgr.com or call (616) 570-925 to learn more about supporting your child’s feeding development. We look forward to building a relationship with you and your child!
Sources: Begin Balanced-Priya Bhasin
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