☀️ Summer Foods for Kids with Dysphagia. Safe Eating Tips for Warm Weather Favorites

Summer is the season of sunshine, sticky fingers, and fun foods — but summer foods for kids with dysphagia can require a few smart adjustments.

The good news? With a few simple swaps and safety tips, your child can still enjoy the flavors of summer in a safe and delicious way.

Here are a few favorite summer foods and SLP-approved strategies to modify them for safer swallowing — without sacrificing the fun!

Juicy, colorful, and easy to prepare—watermelon is a fun, sensory-rich fruit that can be safely served to many children with dysphagia when cut into small, manageable pieces.

🍉 Watermelon

Sweet, hydrating, and bursting with flavor, watermelon is a summer favorite that’s often appealing to kids — especially those who prefer juicy, soft textures.

SLP-Approved Tips:

• Cut watermelon into small, manageable cubes or use cookie cutters for fun shapes

• Serve it slightly chilled (not icy) to provide extra sensory input for better oral control

• Model tasting and touching — but don’t pressure! Curiosity builds comfort

🍗 Chicken (Grilled or Cooked Meats)

Cookouts and picnics often include grilled meats, which can be tough to chew and tricky for children with oral-motor coordination challenges. Chicken can be a great protein option when prepared thoughtfully.

SLP-Approved Tips for Chicken:

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken cooked until very tender

• Shred or finely chop to make it easier to manage

• Add moisture using broth, a mild BBQ sauce, or a yogurt-based dip to prevent dryness

🌭 Hot Dogs

A classic summer food, but one of the top choking hazards for toddlers due to their round shape and dense texture.

Hot Dog Safety Guidelines by Age:

🔹 12 Months+

• Cut cooked hot dogs lengthwise into quarters, creating thin strips

• Avoid round "coin" slices, which increase choking risk

• Child should be seated, and a caregiver should be within arm’s reach

🔹 18 Months+

• Cut lengthwise into halves or quarters, depending on the child’s comfort and chewing ability

• Continue offering long, thin pieces that promote controlled biting

🔹 24 Months+

• Once the child shows mature eating skills (chewing thoroughly, not overstuffing the mouth, taking controlled bites), they may be ready to try a full hot dog (with bun, if desired)

• Always supervise and ensure safe swallowing habits remain in place

☀️ Final Thoughts

Having dysphagia doesn’t mean missing out on summer fun — it just means being smart about how foods are prepared and served.

When in doubt, consult with your child’s speech-language pathologist for personalized recommendations. Safe eating should always come first, but flavor, exploration, and fun can still be part of the experience.

Here’s to a summer full of safe bites, happy mealtimes, and sunny smiles!

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Written by Khaila, M.S. CCC-SLP

Lead Feeding Therapist

The Speech Pathology Group & Rehab Services of CT