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Growing at the Table

Insights on feeding development, learning to eat, and creating calm, connected mealtimes.

Browse by topic or search for specific feeding concerns.

Trusting a Child’s Intuition: How Dr. Clara Marie Davis Revolutionized Infant Feeding

This blog explores the groundbreaking work of Dr. Clara Marie Davis, a pioneering physician who revolutionized the way we understand child feeding. In the 1920s, when strict dietary prescriptions led to widespread food refusal in children, Davis conducted a radical experiment that allowed infants to select their own foods without adult interference. Her findings laid the foundation for responsive feeding, proving that children can self-regulate their intake and develop healthy eating habits when provided with a supportive environment and nutritious options. Read on to discover how her research continues to shape modern feeding practices.

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All, Infants and Bottle Feeding Argie Pitsakis All, Infants and Bottle Feeding Argie Pitsakis

Overcoming Bottle-Feeding Aversion: A Supportive Guide for Parents

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.

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Redefining Feeding Success

Feeding success goes beyond getting your child to try new foods—it’s about fostering lifelong confidence, connection, and joy at the table. This blog shifts the focus from short-term wins to creating a supportive mealtime environment where your child feels safe to explore food at their own pace.

Discover practical strategies like the Division of Responsibility (DOR), reducing pressure, and making mealtimes about connection rather than food. By addressing stress and fostering trust, you can raise a confident eater who enjoys a variety of foods and builds a lasting, positive relationship with eating and family.

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Understanding Sensory Processing: Its Role in Picky Eating and Feeding Behaviors

In this blog, we will explore the intricate relationship between sensory processing and how sensory experiences shape a child's willingness to try new foods. We’ll discuss what sensory processing is, the common signs of sensory challenges during feeding, and how these difficulties can manifest in a child’s eating habits. Additionally, we will provide practical tips for parents to support their children in expanding their food repertoire while considering their unique sensory profiles.

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Messes That Matter: The Role of Sensory Processing at the Table and Beyond

Eating is a sensory experience that can overwhelm young children. In this blog, we explore how sensory processing impacts eating behaviors and highlight the benefits of messy eating. By encouraging children to touch and play with their food, we can enhance fine motor skills, boost confidence, and promote acceptance of new tastes and textures. Join us to discover how messy play fosters resilience, curiosity, and emotional regulation. Plus, stay tuned for a freebie at the end, featuring fun activities to support your child’s sensory exploration during mealtimes!

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Prevent Feeding Issues for Your Baby By Supporting Homeostasis

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.

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All, Picky Eating and Mealtime Challenges Argie Pitsakis All, Picky Eating and Mealtime Challenges Argie Pitsakis

Root Causes of Feeding Difficulties and the Importance of Collaborative Care

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.

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What is Tethered Oral Tissue? Tongue-tie & More

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.

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All, Feeding Development, Nutrition and Growth Argie Pitsakis All, Feeding Development, Nutrition and Growth Argie Pitsakis

Impact of Nutrition on Cognitive Development

In today's blog post, we underscore the vital significance of a diverse, nutritious diet for a child's development. We delve into the impact of nutrition on cognitive functions like memory, attention, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Research findings on nutrition's positive and negative effects across various developmental domains, including academics, mood, behavior, and language skills, are presented.

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Foods Jags: What Are They and How to Prevent Them

In today’s blog post, we explore the concept of "food jags,” which occur when children become fixated on specific foods for an extended period, leaving parents puzzled. We discuss the the role of dopamine in food preferences and why children may suddenly reject once-loved items and provide strategies to prevent and address food jags, emphasizing the importance of fostering a diverse and nourishing diet for children.

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7 Factors That Shape Children’s Food Preferences

In today's blog post, we delve into the intricate web of factors that impact a child's food preferences, discussing seven key influences that parents and caregivers should be aware of. Understanding these key influences is essential for parents and caregivers seeking to guide their young ones towards a positive and wholesome relationship with food.

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