Eating Issues revisited...gagging on table foods?

PAP179

I asked this a few weeks ago and only one person could commiserate with me.  I see lots of posts about toddler's refusing table foods. Does anyone's toddler actually look very interested to eat table foods but have issues gagging/throwing up on certain textures (and when I say certain textures - I really can't pinpoint which textures they are because it seems sometimes he'll tolerate them and sometimes they cause an issue).  My pedi gave me a script for reflux meds but I don't want to give them to him if that's not really the issue.  He doesn't do it ALL the time and never when he is nursing.  Is it possible for just chunks of food to cause reflux?

We also set up an appt with a pedi GI to speak with an occupational therapist since this has been going on for over a month and it's freaking me out a bit? Especially since I search online and only see others having a similar issue and their kids are going on 2-3 yrs old!

luckyfrgg

It's definitely possible that he just has a strong gag reflex or some sensory issues in his mouth - does he seem uncomfortable after eating and then throw up, or does he gag on the food and then throw up with no apparent pain or discomfort?  If it's reflux, he should show some discomfort.

And does he do OK on the purees, etc.?  Can you describe anything else about what textures he doesn't handle well?  Does he seem to drool more than most babies?  Some kids who are droolers have low muscle tone in their mouths, and that can cause real trouble with table foods.

My DD has a diagnosis that makes feeding issues very likely.  Although we've been fortunate so far, I've done a bunch of researching and her OT keeps an eye out and discusses feeding with me, so unfortunately I'm starting to know a lot about it!

PAP179

He always did ok on purees - aside from the starchy ones like with peas mixed in? He never was the best at taking to finger foods - although he eats Cheerios by the pound and loves fruits and avocados and tofu.  He doesn't drool any more since getting those first few teeth. He has been getting his 1 year molars for about a month now - but the drs tell me that it can't be related to teething issues.

he will cry right after gagging/throwing up but I am not sure if it's pain or just the sensation that is causing his reaction. A minute later - he's running around wanting to eat cheerios or puffs or whatever other carby snack is in sight

luckyfrgg

Would you say it's worse with mixed-texture foods, like a puree texture with little chunks mixed in?  Your mention of the peas mixed into starches sounds like he doesn't like small pieces of food in something that is otherwise smooth. 

If so, that's apparently pretty common.  Mixed textures are challenging for all kids, and more so if there's a little low tone.  The kids don't feel the food in their mouth as easily, and the little pieces get lost in the smooth texture and then surprise them when they try to swallow.  Can you imagine having a chunk of food suddenly "appear" in the back of your throat when you didn't know it was there before?

My DD is slowly working up to mixed textures, but we're very careful with how much we offer and just how mixed the texture is.  She'll do spaghetti-Os, but I think it's only b/c the pasta in those is so very soft that it's not even really separate chunks.  More definite chunks and I have to give them to her one at a time, separated from the mixture.

How is your DS's speech?  If he's been slow to pick up talking, it might be worth talking to your pedi about a speech evaluation - that could get you access to a speech therapist who can help with feeding stuff too, and for my DD doing some oral-motor stimulation has been HUGE for helping her get comfortable with more foods!

And by the way, DD's OT says many otherwise totally typical kids have trouble with feeding, so I'm in no way suggesting you should worry! 

livalil319

DS has reflux, and one of the major secondary issues with that is feeding related. We are in therapy right now bc he is pretty much still eating just purees. He has trouble with various textures and like the PP said, we try adding things to smooth purees.  I would recommend that you get an eval for feeding therapy.  In the meantime, buy stage 1 or 2 purees or make your own if they are that smooth, and try adding mashed food to those (like banana, avocado, pear, sweet potato, etc...soft things) and only add a little at first to try to increase his texture tolerance.  DS is now at the point where he can eat almost any texture puree, but still no finger foods because he doesn't chew the lumps. Does your DS chew the cheerios etc or swallow them whole or mash them around with his tongue?  That is very important to find out...

good luck. there are LOTS of kids with feeding issues and it does take time to work through.

futrkingsley

My 17 month old DS gags on good often and that results in vomiting on occassion.  He has 12 teeth and chews his food well and still gags and vomits.  We think it is a sensory issue with some textures or sensations and not others.  He can eat yogurt with ease, but hates mashed anything.  He can and does eat chicken, meatballs, hotdogs, crunchy food, etc but doens't like soft food at all.  And he doesn't like hot things. 

He also doesn't have any words.  We are in the process of having him evaluated (early intervention and a developmental pedi) and hope to get some guidance on how we might help him with his issues.