Punching Up Interest in Food

Children with low muscle tone and/or oral motor delays (commonly found in post-institutionalized kids) often prefer foods with high flavor and/or crunch, which helps make it easier for them to chew and swallow safely. For such children, experiment with a variety of textures and flavors (salty, sour, spicy, and even bitter).

Crazy for Condiments

Begin by introducing a small amount of the condiment alone; if it passes muster, move to pairing it with other foods.

Snack Attack

When buying packaged snacks, choose highly flavored varieties like BBQ or Salt and Vinegar. If your child likes to crunch, carrots, snap peas, whole wheat crackers, pretzels, dehydrated fruits and veggies, banana chips, and sesame sticks are wholesome options (though keep in mind they could be choking hazards for some children). Fry thin slices of turkey bacon, Canadian bacon, or tofu to achieve a chip-like crunch. Transform bread into toast sticks or garlic toast. Munchies in snack containers are easy to take along to all the fun places where little ones like to go.