Modified Barium
Swallow Studies take the guesswork out of your child’s feeding challenges.

A Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS) is a specialized imaging test that shows how your child swallows in real time. It helps identify any difficulties or safety concerns with feeding, so we can create a plan that’s safe, effective, and tailored to your child’s needs. We partner closely with families and medical teams to ensure clear results, compassionate care, and confident next steps.

See the Whole Picture. Support Safer Swallowing.

A Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS) offers valuable insight into how your child swallows, helping us pinpoint challenges and tailor treatment with precision. It’s a key step in ensuring safe, effective feeding and long-term progress.

Customized Treatment Planning

Provides clear data that helps guide therapy recommendations, food textures, and positioning strategies tailored to your child.

Real-Time Visualization

Watch how food and liquid move through your child’s mouth, throat, and esophagus during swallowing to identify any issues instantly.

Accurate Diagnosis

Detects signs of aspiration, delayed swallow, or structural concerns that may not be visible during a standard feeding evaluation.

Collaborative Care

The study is interpreted by a speech-language pathologist and radiologist, ensuring a team-based approach to your child’s care.

Peace of Mind for Families

Get answers, clarity, and plan you can trust so you know your child is feeding safely and on the right path forward.

Book Your Swallow Study.
Get the Answers You Need.

If you have concerns about your child’s swallowing or feeding safety, a Modified Barium Swallow Study can provide the clarity you’ve been looking for. Schedule a consultation today to discuss whether an MBSS is right for your child, and take the first step toward safer, more confident feeding.

Got Questions About MBSS?
We’ve Got Answers...

Starting solids can bring up a lot of questions—what to feed, when to start, and how to keep your baby safe. Our FAQs cover the most common concerns so you can feel confident, informed, and supported every step of the way.

  • An MBSS is a specialized X-ray that allows clinicians to see how your child swallows different food and liquid textures in real time. It helps identify issues like aspiration, delayed swallow, or difficulty coordinating the muscles used in feeding.

  • An MBSS is recommended if there are signs of swallowing difficulties, such as coughing or choking during meals, frequent respiratory infections, poor weight gain, or suspected aspiration.

  • Yes. The MBSS uses a small amount of radiation and barium (a contrast material) to make the swallow visible. The exposure is minimal and carefully controlled, making it a safe procedure when clinically necessary.

  • Your child will be given small amounts of food and liquids mixed with barium, in textures appropriate to their developmental level. The feeding therapist will bring or request familiar foods when possible to ensure comfort and cooperation.

  • The actual X-ray portion of the study typically takes 10–15 minutes. The full appointment, including preparation and post-study discussion, usually lasts around 30–45 minutes.

  • Preliminary findings are often shared right after the study. A detailed report is then reviewed with you and your child’s care team to determine the best next steps for treatment or feeding therapy.

  • The Modified Barium Swallow Study is performed onsite at our Londonderry office in collaboration with MassTex Imaging. This convenient, team-based setting allows for a smooth experience with real-time results and direct communication between specialists.

See What’s Really Happening Book Your MBSS Now.

A Modified Barium Swallow Study provides real-time insight into your child’s swallow, helping guide the next steps in care with accuracy and confidence.