Red Flags — - Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

NUTRITION & ORAL HEALTH
FEEDING & SWALLOWING
Problem signs
It is advisable to consult an expert if a child:
►► Has lost weight or has not gained weight
within the last month (less time if pertaining
to an infant)
►► Must be fed around the clock to gain weight
properly (infants require feeds every 2-4
hours)
►► Cannot suck for more than 5 minutes at a
time
►► Consistently takes less than 10 minutes or
more than 45 minutes to eat a meal
►► Cannot progress from liquids to purees
after 6 months, or from purees to pieces by
14 - 16 months
►► Omits complete food groups from his diet
(e.g., no meats; no vegetables)
►► Has severe tantrums or aversive behaviours on
a regular basis when presented with food or
the highchair
►► Cannot eat without major distraction or
entertainment
►► Can easily go for hours (if not days) without
asking for food
►► Will not feed himself (at least partially) by 14-
15 months
►►
Most importantly, parents should consult
an expert if feeding is a frustrating, draining,
stress-filled experience day in, day out
See also
• Speech & Language
• Nutrition
• Fine Motor
WHERE TO GO FOR HELP
See Feeding & Swallowing in the Where to Go
for Help section at the back of this document.
24 Red Flags: Early Identification in Leeds, Grenville & Lanark November 2007