Abstract
This Critical Appraised Topic aimed to examine the effectiveness of oral stimulation programs in increasing food intake and feeding efficiency in babies who were born prematurely and are in the NICU. Feeding issues are a common occurrence for babies who were born prematurely. A decreased ability to participate in feeding can cause extra stress of the child and their families. It could be the role of an occupational therapist to aid in the child’s ability to feed. It was found throughout the Critical Appraised Topic that there is moderate evidence to support the usage of oral stimulation programs within the NICU to increase feeding efficiency and overall food intake.