What to Expect from a Paediatric Feeding Assessment

Being told your child may have a feeding difficulty can feel overwhelming - especially when feeding is already stressful. A paediatric feeding assessment is a gentle, family-centred process designed to understand what's happening for your child and give you a clear way forward.

Here's what to expect from your Hampshire Feeding Clinic appointment.

Before the appointment

Before we meet, I'll ask you to fill in a short questionnaire about your child's feeding history - from birth to now. This covers how they fed as a newborn, when difficulties first appeared, what foods or textures they manage, and what mealtimes currently look like at home. The more detail you can give, the better picture I'll have before we even start.

The case history

The assessment begins with a conversation - just us talking through your child's story. I want to understand not just the feeding, but the whole picture: their development, any medical history, how mealtimes feel for the family, and what your biggest concerns are. Parents always know their child best, and that knowledge is central to the assessment.

Observation of feeding

Depending on your child's age and the nature of the difficulty, I'll observe them feeding - whether that's at the breast or bottle, eating purees, or managing finger foods and family meals. I look at the whole process: how they approach food, their oral movements, how they manage different textures, and any signs of discomfort or avoidance.

For younger babies, this might involve watching a full feed. For older children, we might try a range of foods to see how they respond.

Oral motor assessment

I'll assess the strength, coordination, and sensitivity of the muscles involved in eating and swallowing - including the lips, tongue, jaw, and cheeks. For babies, this might involve observing their suck. For older children, it's usually playful and informal - children rarely find it scary.

After the assessment

At the end of the session I'll share what I've found and, where possible, give you an initial plan. This might include:

• Practical strategies to try at home straight away
• Recommendations for texture or feeding position changes
• A therapy plan if ongoing support would help
• Referral to other professionals if needed (e.g. dietitian, paediatrician)
• A written report for your GP, health visitor, or nursery

How long does it take?

A full paediatric feeding assessment typically takes 60-90 minutes. I always allow plenty of time - rushed assessments miss things.

Do I need a GP referral?

No. You can self-refer directly. If you're not sure whether an assessment is the right next step, book a free initial call and we can talk it through first. Not sure if your baby has a feeding difficulty? Read about the signs to look out for.