From the moment they’re born, babies use their mouths to explore the world. Mouthing isn’t just about teething—it plays a critical role in oral development, sensory learning, and the foundation for feeding and speech skills. As a feeding specialist, I encourage parents to embrace this stage and provide safe, developmentally appropriate tools to support it. Early oral exploration helps babies develop coordination, body awareness, and self-soothing skills, all of which are essential for future milestones like chewing, swallowing, and even talking.

Whether your baby is just beginning to discover their hands and mouth or starting to teethe, here are my top recommendations for safe and effective tools to encourage healthy oral habits from the very start!

Is your baby refusing the bottle? Are feedings becoming a source of stress instead of joy? You’re not alone. Feeding your baby is meant to be a bonding and joyful experience, but when your baby starts refusing the bottle, it can bring feelings of overwhelm and frustration. In this blog, I’ll share stories from my work with families facing bottle-feeding aversions, common challenges I see, and how I approach these situations.

Together, we’ll explore what a bottle-feeding aversion is, why it happens, and practical strategies to help your baby rediscover the joy of feeding. At Kids Feeding Wellness (KFW), we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way with expert advice tailored to your baby’s unique needs.

Are you struggling to manage your child’s feeding difficulties? You’re not alone—nearly 50% of parents report feeding-related issues with their children. This blog post clarifies the difference between feeding difficulties and feeding disorders, unpacks the main causes of feeding disorders, and highlights the importance of collaborating with healthcare providers for effective intervention.

In this discussion, we will explore the concept of tethered oral tissue, encompassing its three primary forms: tongue tie, lip tie, and buccal tie. We will also delve into the implications of these conditions on orofacial development, as well as their impact on essential functions like feeding, swallowing, and speech.