Feeding: What to Do When Your Child Cannot Eat by Mouth

These instructions for Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) patients provide recommendations for ways to stimulate your child's mouth, when they are not able to eat food.

Important information:

Even though your child is not eating by mouth it is still very important for them to feel good about having their face and mouth touched. This is practice for when your healthcare provider allows them to eat, so they will not be upset by a spoon or a cup near their face.

Tips:

Be sure your child is comfortable. You can cradle them in your arms, or they can sit in an infant seat or highchair.

If your child does not like to have their face touched, you may need to start at the hands, arms, chest, chin, and cheeks and gradually work your way toward their lips and the inside of their mouth.

Watch your child's reaction. If they are uncomfortable with facial touch, take a break and start again. Never force anything! Make these activities a regular part of your child's routine. With practice, they will quickly learn these activities are safe and fun!

Activities

• Wash their face with a soft cloth. Use firm strokes on the forehead, chin, and cheeks, gradually working your way to their lips.

• Rub a towel over their face and body after bath.

• Apply lotion massage after bath.

• Massage their face with your fingers and hands.

• Kiss their forehead and cheeks, gradually working your way to their lips.

• Encourage hand-to-mouth play.

• Introduce baby toys safe for chewing. Avoid anything that can be a choking hazard.

• Remember to keep it fun and relaxing for everyone!

Reviewed on November 7, 2022, by Linda Donton, MOTR/L