Is it PFD?
Learn more about Pediatric Feeding Disorder
If you’re worried about your child’s feeding, you’re not alone. An estimated 1 in 23 children in the United States have pediatric feeding disorder. Help is available.
Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) is a condition that can affect how a child eats or drinks. It can be related to one or more areas, including medical needs, nutrition, feeding skills, or a child’s thoughts and feelings around eating. When a child has PFD, this means they are not eating or drinking in a way that fits their age.
Some children with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) may also have PFD, especially when their feeding challenges affect their nutrition or emotional health. You can learn more about ARFID here.
PFD Resources
PFD Fact Sheet
PFD is complex. Learn the facts about pediatric feeding disorder here. (click to download).
Assessment and Management Pathway
View tools here for determining diagnosis and needs for children with feeding difficulty. (click to download).
PFD: The Four Domains at Work
PFD consists of the medical, nutrition, feeding skill, and psychosocial domains. Learn how the four domains impact PFD here. (click to download).
Family Guide to Pediatric Feeding Disorder
This guide will educate families on PFD, direct them to the next steps to take, and offer helpful tips on how to advocate for their child. View the guide here.
Infant and Child Feeding Questionnaire© 6-Question Screener
The ICFQ© 6-question screener is a quick 6-question screening tool that identifies and differentiates between children who are struggling with feeding from those who have age appropriate eating. Use, share, and educate others on the signs of PFD; the first step in treating PFD is identification.
Feeding Screener
Feeding Screener
Feeding Screener
Feeding Screener
Feeding Screener
Feeding Screener
Your Results
Learn the Signs. Act Early.
Milestones matter! CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program encourages parents and providers to learn the signs of healthy development, monitor every child’s early development, and take action when there is a concern. The program offers free checklists and other tools to make developmental monitoring practical and easy. Explore the “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” site to learn more about developmental milestones.
Take the Infant and Child Feeding Questionnaire©
The Feeding Matters Infant and Child Feeding Questionnaire© is an evidence-based tool which may be used to promote early identification of pediatric feeding disorder and provides a method for referral of at-risk infants and children to appropriate care. This questionnaire has been developed by internationally-recognized feeding experts to help you better understand your child’s feeding habits. By completing this questionnaire you will learn about typical feeding development, identify if there are any areas of concern regarding your child’s feeding, and be provided a method for discussing any concerns with your child’s physician.
It’s Not Picky Eating is an initiative of Feeding Matters. We welcome all families with children who struggle to eat and the professionals who serve them. Information and support is inclusive of all diagnoses related to feeding difficulties. Whether your child has PFD, ARFID, or both, we are here to help.