Bright Spot Pediatric Therapy

Feeding Therapy

Responsive Feeding Therapy

Supporting joyful, confident eaters - one bite at a time.

At Bright SpOT, our pediatric feeding therapy services support babies and children (even teens!) who experience challenges with eating, drinking, or mealtime routines. Whether your child is dealing with picky eating, bottle refusal, food aversions, or sensory-based feeding difficulties, our therapists are here to help with compassion, expertise, and a no-pressure, relationship-based approach..

We specialize in infant feeding support, transitioning to solids, and oral motor development, helping children build functional feeding skills in a way that feels safe and empowering. Our sessions are play-based, responsive, and always tailored to your child’s unique needs. We collaborate closely with families to support mealtime success, while honoring each child’s sensory preferences, motor abilities, and autonomy.

What is pediatric feeding therapy?

Pediatric feeding therapy helps infants and children develop the skills they need to eat and drink safely and confidently. At Bright SpOT, feeding therapy may address oral motor delays, swallowing difficulties, sensory-based feeding challenges, and mealtime routines. Our licensed occupational and speech therapists create personalized plans based on your child’s unique developmental, sensory, and motor needs.

Which children benefit from feeding therapy?

We provide support for both infants and children experiencing mild to complex feeding concerns. Your child may benefit from feeding therapy if they:

Refuse certain textures or food groups (selective eating).
Gag, cough, or choke during meals.
Have difficulty transitioning to solid foods or table foods.
Experience anxiety, distress, or meltdowns around mealtimes.
Struggle with breast or bottle feeding.
Have feeding challenges due to tongue tie, reflux, or prematurity.
Difficulty with oral motor skills (ex. straw sucking, tongue movement, chewing).
Avoid eating in social or school settings.

What happens during a feeding therapy session?

Our feeding therapy sessions are child-led, play-based, and built on trust. A typical session may include:

Sensory food exploration (touching, smelling, interacting).
Oral motor skill-building through play and movement.
Safe opportunities for trying new foods.
Parent coaching on responsive feeding strategies.
Use of adaptive tools (e.g., cups, straws, utensils).

We do not use force or pressure. Our goal is to help your child feel confident, curious, and safe around food.

Do you offer infant feeding support?

Yes! We offer feeding therapy for babies, including:

Breast feeding.
Bottle refusal.
Difficulty transitioning from breast to bottle.
Early feeding and swallowing concerns.
Support after NICU stays.
Suspected tongue or lip ties.
Reflux or discomfort during feeding.

Our therapists work closely with parents and can collaborate with lactation consultants, pediatricians, and other specialists to provide whole-family care.

Can feeding therapy help with picky eating or food refusal?

Definitely. Many kids labeled as “picky eaters” are actually experiencing sensory sensitivities, oral motor challenges, or emotional stress around food. We take a respectful, curiosity-driven approach—never forcing children to eat, but supporting them as they become more comfortable and engaged at their own pace.

Will I be involved in my child’s feeding therapy?

Absolutely. Family involvement is key to long-term success. We provide consistent parent coaching, model responsive mealtime strategies, and equip caregivers with tools to support feeding progress at home. You’ll always know what we’re working on and why.