Food transitions
Gentle support moving to solids, lumps and finger foods, at your child's own pace.
Sea S.A.L.T. Paediatric Speech Pathology
Woonona & Maroubra, NSW
0406 672 067 · info@seasaltspeechpathology.com
0406 672 067 · info@seasaltspeechpathology.com
Feeding therapy
Making mealtimes calmer, safer and more fun
Every child's mealtime looks different. Some children take a little longer to learn to eat and drink, and others feel overwhelmed by new foods, textures or the whole mealtime routine. Our feeding-trained speech pathologists offer a warm, supportive space to help your child, and your family, enjoy eating together.
- Feeding, eating, drinking & swallowing
- Babies to teens
- Pressure-free
- Maroubra clinic
Does this sound familiar?
If any of these sound like your child, it is nobody's fault, and we're here to help.
- Finding it hard to move to solids, lumps or finger foods
- Eating only a very small range of foods
- Fussy, picky, anxious or selective eating
- Strong reactions to textures, smells or tastes
- Difficulty chewing or with mouth movements
- Trouble drinking from a cup or bottle
- Refusing food or drink
- Distress or meltdowns around meals
- Ongoing mealtime battles that leave everyone stressed
How we help
We work alongside you to understand your child's sensory and oral-motor needs, then build skills and confidence one small step at a time.
Sensory comforts
Playful, pressure-free food exploration for children who feel worried or overwhelmed by textures, smells or tastes.
Eating & drinking skills
Building chewing, swallowing and cup-drinking skills so mealtimes are safe, nourishing and enjoyable.
Our approach
Family-centredWe work hand-in-hand with you, because you know your child best.
Gentle and pressure-freeNo forcing, no bribes, just safe, playful steps forward.
Celebrating small stepsTouching, smelling or licking a new food is a win worth celebrating.
Strategies for homePractical ideas to take the stress out of everyday mealtimes.
Tailored to your childEvery plan is built around your child's sensory and oral-motor needs.
Team approachWe work with your GP, paediatrician, dietitian or OT where needed.
Getting started
1Get in touch
Contact us to chat about your child, or ask your GP or paediatrician to refer.
2Initial consultation
We learn about your child's eating, drinking and mealtimes, and agree on goals together.
3Therapy & home support
Gentle sessions plus simple strategies to use at home between visits.
Funding options
NDISSelf-managed and plan-managed participants.
MedicareWith a GP referral (M10 or Chronic Condition Management plan). We charge the full fee and you claim any eligible rebate.
Private healthMany funds offer rebates for speech pathology. Check with your fund.
PrivateSimple payment on the day.
Parent questions
Isn't fussy eating just a phase?
Some fussiness is a normal part of growing up. It's worth getting support if your child eats a very small range of foods, becomes distressed at meals, has trouble moving onto new textures, or if mealtimes are causing ongoing stress for your family.
Will you make my child eat foods they don't like?
Never. Our sessions are pressure-free. We use play and gentle exploration so your child can build trust and confidence with food at their own pace.
Do I need to be at the session?
Yes please. You're the expert on your child, and being involved means you can keep the strategies going at every meal.
Do I need a referral?
No, you can contact us directly. If you'd like to use Medicare, you'll need a GP referral first.
Where do sessions happen?
Feeding therapy is offered at our Maroubra clinic. Get in touch and we'll talk about what will work best for your child.
When to see your GP first
- Frequent coughing, choking or gagging when eating or drinking
- Weight loss, not gaining weight, or signs of dehydration
- Repeated chest infections, or noisy or wet breathing during meals
These can be signs of a swallowing or medical concern, so please check in with your GP or paediatrician, and we can work with them. In an emergency, call 000.
Free parent guideUnderstanding paediatric feeding, eating, drinking and swallowing.↓ Scroll to the bottom to download a copy
You don't have to do mealtimes alone
Whether your baby is struggling with new textures or your older child finds mealtimes stressful, our team is here to help. Get in touch to book an initial consultation.
Phone0406 672 067
Emailinfo@seasaltspeechpathology.com
Sea S.A.L.T. Speech Pathology, trading as Sea S.A.L.T. Kids · ABN 48 665 343 011 · @seasalt.kids
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which we come together to play, learn and grow, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
