Preventing Picky Eating: A Proactive Feeding Approach for Infants and Toddlers
This 2-hour course explores the sensory-motor, oral-motor, and environmental factors influencing early feeding experiences. Designed for pediatric occupational therapists and early intervention providers, it develops foundational knowledge of feeding development and strategies to prevent picky eating. Participants learn evidence-based approaches to promote positive feeding interactions, recognize early signs of feeding challenges, and implement proactive strategies to support infants and toddlers in developing a well-rounded diet. Through case studies, hands-on strategies, and caregiver education techniques, therapists gain the confidence to address feeding concerns before they escalate into restrictive eating behaviors. NOTE: This course is included with the 2025 Summit Early Intervention Summit: Building Strong Foundations.Â
Learning Outcomes
- Identify typical feeding development milestones from birth to three years and how they relate to oral-motor and sensory integration.
- List proactive strategies to support successful transitions through feeding stages, including the introduction of textures and self-feeding.
- Identify caregiver coaching techniques to foster positive mealtime interactions and reduce mealtime stress.
- List key environmental modifications that promote feeding success in infants and toddlers.
- State the role of postural stability in feeding development and its connection to oral-motor skill progression.
Course Information
- Target Audience: introductory- to intermediate-level OTs, COTAs, SLPs, and other pediatric professionals
- Course Instructor:Â McKenzie Hoffman, MA, CCC-SLP
- View Agenda
- CE Broker course code: 20-1299558
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)






