Sensory processing considerations in Australian paediatric feeding guidelines: A scoping review

Feeding development is complex and multifactorial. Sensory feeding encompasses sensory processing, oral feeding development and the associated physical and social environment, and suboptimal feeding development may contribute to disordered feeding. This study aimed to review sensory feeding recommendations relevant to the first 5 years in paediatric feeding guidelines for professionals. A scoping review was conducted as per the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) approach and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. Current Australian paediatric feeding guidelines were identified via 3 complementary search strategies: (1) empirical databases, (2) grey literature databases and (3) targeted websites. Content analysis was used to extract and categorise recommendations related to sensory feeding, and descriptive statistics and narrative synthesis of characteristics was undertaken. Thirteen guidelines met the eligibility criteria. Content analysis of extracted recommendations generated six categories: (1) Acceptance of new sensory properties of food (present in 85 % of guidelines); (2) Progression from simple to complex textures (69 % of guidelines); (3) Homemade vs commercial foods (15 % of guidelines); (4) (2) Timing is critical (77 % of guidelines); (5) The broader context for sensory feeding (15 % of guidelines); (6) Strategies to support sensory processing for feeding disorders (15 % of guidelines). Across the guidelines reviewed, sensory feeding recommendations were lacking in detail, clear explicit advice and consistency. The study found limited sensory feeding recommendations in Australian paediatric feeding guidelines for professionals. Australian professionals would benefit from incorporation of sensory feeding information in feeding guidelines to support development of healthy eating habits and optimise feeding outcomes.