What is sensory food stimulation?

It is an approach that involves using the senses to explore and enjoy food. It focuses on the interaction of the senses, such as touch, taste, smell, sight and in some cases the sound of food.

What is the OBJETIVE?

Improve the experience of eating, especially in contexts where there are sensory difficulties.

Benefits

Children with eating difficulties: Those with sensory aversions and food selectivity can benefit greatly from this technique to expand their diet and improve their relationship with food.

Patients with eating disorders: In some cases, sensory stimulation may be part of therapy to help overcome food aversions or texture problems associated with disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.

People with conditions that affect their sensory abilities: Down syndrome or sensory disorders, may find sensory stimulation helpful in developing eating skills.

What's its purpose?

Diet expansion: Especially for children with eating disorders or selectivity to expand their range of accepted foods, allowing them to explore and try new textures, flavors and presentations.

Reduction of food aversion: For those with sensory sensitivities or problems accepting certain foods. Sensory stimulation can decrease aversion by modifying the sensory characteristics of foods.

Food Skills Development: It facilitates the development of fundamental eating skills, such as chewing, hand-mouth coordination, manipulation of utensils, and acceptance of different textures and flavors.

Improving the food experience: It seeks to make the experience of eating more pleasurable by stimulating the senses, which can be especially beneficial for people with autism spectrum disorders or other sensory problems.

Promotion of healthy eating: By making food more attractive and varied, you can encourage a more balanced diet and incorporate a greater diversity of nutritious foods.

Sensory food stimulation can be helpful for a wide range of people. From children with sensory disorders to adults with food sensitivities or difficulties relating to food.

Sensory food stimulation can include manipulating food to change its texture, combining different flavors, colors, smells, and attractive visual presentation. a more pleasant eating experience.

Supplementary feeding

Complementary feeding refers to the introduction of solid or semi-solid foods into the diet of a baby who, up to that point, has been fed exclusively with breast milk or formula. This transition usually begins around 6 months of age, although it can vary depending on the baby's development and medical recommendations.

Tips for complementary feeding:

Right moment: Most health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommend starting complementary feeding around 6 months of age, as long as the baby shows signs of being ready.

Signs of readiness: Some signs that a baby may be ready for complementary feeding include the ability to hold his head up and sit up without assistance, showing interest in foods other people are eating, and loss of the extrusion reflex (pushing food with the tongue). .

Food variety: Introduce a variety of nutrient-dense foods. Start with soft, easy-to-swallow foods, such as pureed fruits and vegetables. Then progress to more textured foods as baby gets used to eating.

Gradual introduction: Introduce one new food at a time and wait a few days before adding another. This makes it easier to identify possible food allergies or sensitivities.

Textures and shapes: As your baby gets used to eating, you can introduce more solid textures and shapes that allow them to practice chewing and motor coordination.

Offer family foods: As the baby develops, you can begin to offer foods that the family consumes, always taking into account the adaptation of texture and portion sizes.

Breastmilk or formula is still important: Although solid foods are introduced, breastmilk or formula remains an essential part of a baby's diet during the first year of life.

It is important to remember that each baby is unique and may have their own development rates. Additionally, it is advisable to consult with your pediatrician before starting complementary feeding to obtain specific guidance based on your baby's needs.

LFYR. Fernanda Moramay Bernal López
Graduate in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, graduated from the Marista University Valladolid 2015-2019. With experience in neurosensory stimulation in pediatric physiotherapy and sensory food stimulation, endorsed by the Polytechnic University of Santa Rosa Jáuregui.