Section 2: Assessment of Feeding Skills

Observation of a meal or snack can often provide the most valuable information about a child’s feeding skills. When an actual observation is not possible, a detailed interview can be conducted.

Problems (or potential problems) with feeding may be identified by monitoring:

• Positioning during feeding
• Length of time of the feeding
• Amount of food offered
• Amount of food consumed
• Amount of liquid offered (and consumed)
• Eating utensils used
• Signs of hunger or satiety
• Rate of eating and drinking
• Manner in which food is refused
• Interaction between child and caregiver/feeder