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DISCLAIMER:
Whilst all care is taken to provide accurate information with respect to the item described, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) is not involved in product design or manufacture, and therefore not in a position to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Selection of equipment, which is both suitable and appropriate for individual needs remains the responsibility of the person(s) considering requisition, and no responsibility is taken by the ILC for any loss or injury caused through use of the equipment or alleged to have arisen through reliance upon information provided. As information is subject to change any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer.
Item Details
Buyers Guide: Childrens Cutlery
ILC Reference NO 31:12:900
Item sourced from ILC VIC database
Factors to Consider
Handles
Size Choose a spoon/handle size/length that is appropriate. Small children may benefit from using a shorter handle. If using commercially prepared food from a jar a longer handle may be better. Helpers may need a long handled spoon to prevent excessive leaning.
Weight Weighted handles can be useful for those with tremor and ataxia. Ultra-light (feather-light) cutlery is available with an average weight of 48gm.
Customised Consider customising handles with Pimbo clay, Allfit or thermo pellets.
Grips Consider soft, slip resistant handles like the Good grip range of cutlery and appliances. Comfort grips have a vinyl coating with finger placement indentations to give a physical prompt for finger placement.
Spoons
If the helper is using a spoon, present the food to the midline of the tongue. This will facilitate the tongue to collect the food and then trigger a swallow.
Material Metal spoons should not be used with children with a bite reflex.
Dangerous Product Do not use a spoon that could splinter. Spoons used in fast food chains with ice cream are dangerous for children with a bite reflex and should not be used.
Safe product Covered spoons or horn spoons are available for children who are hypersensitive to temperature or have a bite reflex.
Size The bowl of the spoon should be an appropriate size for the child's mouth.
Shape Deeper spoons need greater lip control. Shallow spoons are easier to get food off the spoon with the upper lip.
Technique Do not scrape the food off the spoon with the top teeth.
Fork
Place solid food between the back teeth with a fork. This saves the child having to move the food across the mouth with the tongue, particularly if they lack tongue control.
Material Choose an appropriate material for the fork to be made of (as notes for spoons)
Size Choose a fork that is a suitable size for the client. Consider how sharp the prongs on the fork are.
Special or customised option A range of swivel counterbalanced cutlery is available. Consider left or right handed Splayd.
Knife
Alternative shape and handles Consider using a rocker knife for those with limited or weak grasp. Consider angled ergonomic cutlery to reduce strain on the wrist.
Plates and Bowls
Thermal Consider the material that the plate is made of. Thermal dishes are helpful for slow eaters.
Shape Asymmetrical scoop plates are useful for those with poor coordination as they can help stabilise the food against the higher side of the plate. Having an inner lip on the plate can assist in stabilising the food to allow the child to get the food on the fork.
Divided plates allow foods to be kept separate on the plate. The walls of the divisions allow some stabilising of the food. Some plates have a spoon guide to help guide and coordinate.
Some people have problems eating or drinking. This is a serious health risk. Signs include difficulty swallowing and chewing foods, coughing when eating or drinking, or food getting stuck in or spilling from the mouth. If you are concerned, visit a speech pathologist or consult your GP.
Short Description
Utensils should be chosen so that they allow the child to be as actively involved in the activity as possible, whilst still maintaining adequate nutrition. A clear idea of the objective of the activity must be decided before the product is chosen. Is the focus social,therapeutic or nutritional.
Price Guide
Refer to supplier details for pricing.
More Details
Maintenance
Refer to the supplier and manufacturer manual for maintenance instructions and safety warnings.
Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For more information on what standards the equipment may need to meet, see www.ilcaustralia.org/explanationofstandards.
Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
AUSMEDIC/METRON,
CARRUM DOWNS, VIC
CO-ORDINATES OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SERVICE,
BRUNSWICK, VIC
FAS THERAPEUTIC EQUIPMENT PTY LTD,
BRAESIDE, VIC
LINDS REHABILITATION EQUIPMENT - BENDIGO,
BENDIGO, VIC
LINDS REHABILITATION EQUIPMENT - GIPPSLAND,
SALE, VIC
LINDS REHABILITATION EQUIPMENT - HALLAM,
HALLAM, VIC
M AND A CREATIVE CRAFT MATERIALS,
BRUTHEN, VIC
MEDTEX (ASSIST EASE),
MOUNT WAVERLEY, VIC
MICHAELIS ENGINEERING,
SOUTHAMPTON, UK
STATEWIDE HOME HEALTH CARE (SHHC),
BRIGHTON, VIC
Additional /images
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