Toddler feeding therapy in Toms River and surrounding areas.
Feeding Support for Toddlers Struggling With Eating
If you’re searching for toddler feeding therapy, you’re in the right place. Many families face toddler mealtime challenges, picky eating, limited diets, bottle dependence, or constant power struggles and it can feel overwhelming. As both a pediatric feeding therapist and a mom of two toddlers, I understand how stressful it can be when your child refuses food or relies on just a few “safe” choices.
When to Consider Feeding Therapy for Toddlers
You may benefit from toddler feeding therapy if your child:
Eats only a very limited diet or avoids entire food groups
Is still dependent on bottles past infancy
Has short mealtime tolerance or refuses to sit at the table
Struggles with low intake, slow weight gain, or nutrition concerns
Needs a screen just to get through a meal
Has constant power struggles around food
How Feeding Therapy Helps
Our toddler feeding therapy sessions focus on:
Reducing stress and power struggles at mealtimes
Gently expanding food variety through step-by-step strategies
Helping toddlers transition from purees to solids and build new food skills
Supporting healthy growth and nutrition in a realistic, family-centered way
The approach is warm, collaborative, and judgment-free. You’ll get practical strategies you can actually use at home to bring more calm, confidence, and connection to your family table.
Pediatric Feeding Therapy That Supports the Whole Family
Sarah Auriemma, M.S., CCC-SLP Founder & Pediatric Feeding Specialist
If you’re here, feeding your child probably feels like the hardest part of your day, the stress, the second-guessing, the mom guilt.
As a pediatric feeding therapist (and former picky eater myself!), I get it. I've supported families through every feeding challenge imaginable, from babies who refuse every bottle, to toddlers clinging to just three foods, to kids with complex medical feeding needs.
That's why I created the 3C Framework (Clarity, Connection & Coaching), a clear, compassionate approach that helps you unravel what's really happening at mealtimes and provides the calm, steady support you've been searching for.
Because my mission isn’t just about helping kids eat better. It’s about helping your whole family find joy at the table again by turning stressful mealtimes into moments of connection and progress.
Ways That We Can Work Together
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In-Home Feeding Therapy
Get personalized support in the comfort of your home. I observe real mealtimes, assess feeding patterns and oral motor skills, and guide you and your baby toward calmer, more confident feeds.
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Virtual Parent Coaching
Submit a short mealtime video and we’ll meet virtually to review what’s going on, troubleshoot together, and build a plan that works for your baby and your routine.
Do You Take Insurance?
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Do You Take Insurance? *
Kind of! Read Below
When calling your insurance, ask:
Do I have out-of-network benefits for speech therapy?
Is the CPT code 92523 (feeding evaluation) and 92507 (feeding therapy) covered under my plan?
Do I need a referral or authorization to submit for reimbursement?
*As a private-pay practice, I offer flexible payment options designed with your family in mind. Because I am considered an Out of Network Provider, families can inquire with their insurance provider about their Out Of Network benefits. Many families I work with receive 70-80% of costs reimbursed through insurance with the submission of a Superbill (provided by Ocean Pediatric Feeding). I also accept HSA/FSA cards on my portal.
Please note: These fees apply to in-person evaluations and therapy only. Virtual coaching calls, workshops, and trainings are not eligible for insurance reimbursement or superbills.
Rates & What to Expect
Initial Evaluation: $450-$500 | Therapy Sessions: $165-$175 per session
The Ocean Pediatric Feeding Difference
Unlike traditional clinic-based feeding therapy, this coaching model keeps you at the center of the process.
🅧 Most clinics:
→ Take your child into a therapy room while you wait outside
→ Offer little parent involvement or coaching
→ Give you a quick 2‑minute recap at the end of the session
→ See your child once a week with no guidance in between
✓At Ocean Pediatric Feeding:
✓ You stay involved in every single session
✓ You get real‑time strategies and coaching while your child learns
✓ Sessions are focused on making adjustments in the moment not just talking about it after the fact
✓ You get on-going support
This tailored, parent-led model consistently produces faster progress and more confident, connected mealtimes.
What parents are saying
〰️
What parents are saying 〰️
★★★★★
“Wonderful! Sarah came to my rescue when I was having a hard time introducing food to my baby who for months refused to really eat anything, in a couple months we got my 1 year old eating like a normal baby instead of spitting everything out . Amazing and very experienced and knowledgeable who helped me through a difficult time. Thank you again!”
- Lisa
★★★★★
“Sarah has been such a blessing for our family! She is so kind, patient, and knowledgeable. She truly cares and works so well with my son. I have learned so much from her and am so grateful for all that she has done! She was the most recommended feeding therapist when I was looking and I completely understand why! She truly is the best in the area and I can not say enough good things about her!”
- Brandi
★★★★★
“Sarah worked with my 18 month old for about 2 months and the progress we have seen with his eating is incredible. Mealtimes are so much less stressful for our family now. Sarah is extremely knowledgable and experienced in her field and we trusted her completely throughout the process…I would recommend Sarah to anyone looking for pediatric feeding therapy!”
- Ashwinee
Why support for toddler feeding matters now.
Feeding challenges rarely improve on their own. Many parents are told:
“It’s just a phase.”
“They’ll grow out of it.”
“They’re gaining weight, so it’s fine.”
But the truth is, intervention is what leads to improvement.
Waiting often delays progress, reinforces picky habits, and increases stress for everyone. Let's change that. Together!
FAQs
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Feeding therapy supports children who struggle with eating—whether that’s chewing, swallowing, refusing new foods, or sticking to just a handful of “safe” foods. Through playful, positive, step-by-step strategies, I help children build the skills and confidence they need for easier, happier mealtimes.
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Every child goes through picky stages, but you may want an evaluation if your child:
Eats fewer than 15–20 foods
Frequently gags, coughs, or spits food out
Avoids entire food groups (like all fruits or all proteins)
Drops foods they used to eat (“food jags”)
Gets very upset or anxious at mealtimes
Has medical issues that impact eating (reflux, allergies, enlarged tonsils, sensory sensitivities, etc.)
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It’s common for toddlers to be selective for a phase. Feeding therapy is helpful when eating struggles affect nutrition, growth, or family stress. If meals feel like a daily battle or your child’s food variety is shrinking instead of growing, therapy can provide the right support.
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Yes. While some children go through temporary phases of pickiness, others need more support — especially if they demonstrate oral motor, sensory or behavioral components to their pickiness— or if it is becoming and everyday stressor. Intervening early is the key to making sure this is a short-lived phase rather than a long-term problem.
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Sessions are hands-on, playful, and designed to feel safe—not stressful. I use food play, games, and gradual exposure to help children explore at their own pace. Parents join in so you’ll leave each session with strategies you can use right away.
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Absolutely! Parent involvement is key to progress. I’ll guide you with practical tools, language to use at meals, and step-by-step plans so you feel confident helping your child between sessions.
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I don’t bill insurance directly, but I provide superbills (detailed receipts) that many families submit for out-of-network reimbursement. Many families receive 70-80% reimbursed through insurance— it depends on your specific Out Of Network Coverage. HSA and FSA cards are also accepted.
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When calling your insurance, ask:
Do I have out-of-network benefits for speech therapy?
Is the CPT code 92523 (feeding evaluation) and 92507 (feeding therapy) covered under my plan?
Do I need a referral or authorization to submit for reimbursement?
-
The first step is a comprehensive feeding evaluation where I learn about your child’s history, challenges, and goals. From there, I’ll create a personalized plan and we’ll decide together on next steps. Fill out the ‘Get Started’ inquiry form and we’ll be in touch.