My son is going to be two on the 26th of April, and he still doesn't know how to chew. I've went to First Steps and they have an OT (occupational therapist), she is good at what she does and he is showing progress with the eating, but not the chewing. And, also an ST (speech therapist), he is starting to slowly pick up and use more words. They come out once a week to work with him on his eating, and speech. They have been working with him since September of 2008. He will try just about anything you give him and then just suck on the food until it is gone or until he doesn't want it in his mouth any longer. Any advice would be greatly appreciated...I'm in a bind.
My son finally started to chew! Now he wants to try different foods and he eats really well, he's gaining weight.
I would recommend taking him to a dentist (for young childern) he may have problems with his teeth and it hurts to chew.
you may want to consider craniosacral therapy....very gentle and effective, especially if there was any birth trauma....
B.,
I don't have any advice really as I am in the same predicament. My son is 2 and doesn't know how to bite or chew. He is mostly tube fed due to severe acid reflux. I have been working with an OT for the past 2 years and have recently switched OT's because I think he needs more therapy than twice a month which he was getting. I have been using the z-vibe with him and trying to get him to make a "crunch" sound with his veggie puffs. I have two other boys and we will have everyone take turns "crunching" on our food. He tries to imitate, but that is all. That is a first step though!
I am curious what everyone else has to say. Good luck and sorry I can't be much help!
Hi B.,
I actually just contacted First Steps this week to help my 20 month old son with chewing. I'm curious where you live. I know some hospitals have Eating Clinics that also have OTs who are feeding specialists. I can give you the name of the one around here in Evansville, IN if that helps. Your pediatrician should have some recommendations as well.
J.
