Summary of texture modified diets

For infants and children requiring texture modified diets for dysphagia additional to developmental stages, the following diets are suitable when combined with an age-appropriate diet:

Soft < 5 years

For children less than 5 years requiring a soft diet (texture A) see Soft diet < 5 years and combine with an age appropriate diet.

Soft > 5 years

For children 5 years and over requiring a soft diet (texture A) see Therapeutic diet specifications for adult inpatients, soft dysphagia and combine with an age appropriate diet.

Minced moist

For infants and children with dysphagia requiring minced and moist (texture B) see Therapeutic diet specifications for adult inpatients, minced and moist and combine with an age appropriate diet.

For children < 3 years of age with dysphagia, a puree diet is more appropriate due to tracheal size.

Smooth puree

For infants and children with dysphagia requiring smooth puree (texture C) see Therapeutic diet specifications for adult inpatients, smooth puree and combine with an age appropriate diet.

No mixed consistency

For infants and children with dysphagia requiring no mixed consistency see Therapeutic diet specifications for adult inpatients, no mixed consistency and combine with an age appropriate diet.

Thickened fluids

For children and adolescents with dysphagia requiring thickened fluids see Therapeutic diet specifications for adult inpatients, Fluid - mildly thick, Fluid - moderately thick, Fluid – extremely thick and combine with an age appropriate diet. Infants requiring thickened fluids, thickened EBM or formula will be prescribed by a speech pathologist according to individual patient need.

Precautions

For infants, children and adolescents with dysphagia

Appropriate seating giving support to the head and neck should be available. Appropriate cutlery should be used with supervision at all times when feeding to prevent choking.

Note: the diet “Puree and bread - dental” is not suitable for children with dysphagia.