All babies have to learn how to take in milk, and coordinate muscles to move it into their stomachs and keep it down. Vomiting up a feed can occur as their digestive system gets used to digesting food, and they learn not to drink too much. 

When you feed your baby with CP firstly with milk and then introducing solid food to their diet, you may notice they are having difficulty with swallowing (called dysphagia). This is because CP can affect the strength, movement, coordination, contractions, and sensations of the muscles of the mouth, face and throat. This can make it hard for children to suck, bite, chew and swallow food, fluid and saliva.

It’s important that babies and toddlers with CP are monitored regularly for swallowing difficulties because chest infections (from food breathed in accidentally) can sometimes happen.

If you think your young child is having trouble swallowing, talk to your healthcare team as soon as possible. They will help you find out what is happening for your child and how you can help, or what other therapies might be needed, such as dietetics or speech therapy.

There’s a lot you can do to make sure your child is swallowing safely and getting the nutrition they need. Because meals can take quite a long time for a child with CP, it’s important that you’re patient and introduce food in a positive way.

You can try using colourful utensils with one of your child’s favourite characters on them. Letting them smell, touch and learn about their food before they eat it can also help the feeding process.

If your child is starting childcare, kindergarten or school, talk to your support team about any concerns you have regarding mealtimes and how they can best support your child. This might include helping them into a comfortable position or checking that they are eating and drinking well.

Resources for parents and caregivers with swallowing concerns can also be found in this section.