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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
A Guide To Selecting Children's Drinking Aids
ILC Reference NO 31:30:999
Item sourced from ILC WA database
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 and / or nutritional? This is a guide only.
Price Guide
Refer to supplier details for pricing
More Details
Considerations:
Positioning
- Consider the position of both the child and the helper. It may be more appropriate to sit on the right, left or directly in front of the child, so you are able to see the child eating and offer appropriate verbal cues to chew and swallow. It may be appropriate to give the client physical prompt and extra jaw stability by supporting the chin during eating and drinking. Adjustable height tables and chairs are useful.
- Many serious issues concerning positioning a client whilst eating and drinking need to be considered. A speech pathologist should be consulted.
- Mirrors can be used to encourage self monitoring and visual feedback.
Cups
- Shape. Cut away shaped mugs allow the cup to be tipped to empty the cup, without having to tilt the child's head backwards. They are more comfortable for the client's nose and they also allow a clear view of the child's mouth and the liquid.
- Base. A wide base minimises tipping.
- Thickness. Thicker flared edges to the cup allow the child to get a better lip seal while drinking. Choose a product made of a shatter resistant material.
- Weight. Weighted cups may help those with ataxia and tremor.
- Handles. Can be single or double. Angled handles keep the mug in a more upright position. Holding the cup with two handles brings it into midline.
- Colour. Choose a colour of liquid that provides a contrast with the colour of the cup ie. don't put water in a clear cup.
- Lids. Reduce spillage. There are a variety of spouts available that can encourage cup drinking as a stepping stone from using a bottle. Cups can provide an age appropriate method of drinking, and some are available with lids or spouts.
- Thermal. Some cups are thermal to maintain the temperature of the liquid. This is helpful for slow drinkers.
- Customised. Tupperware cups can be readily converted to cut out cups to suit the individual. Be sure to smooth the edges after it has been adapted, so there are no sharp edges.
Straws
- Shape. Some readily available straws can be bent or cut to the correct size or shape.
- Material. It should not shatter, break or collapse if the child bites it. Aquarium tubing comes in different sizes and can be used for graduated training. Wider or longer tubes are harder to suck from. Wider tubing would be less likely to collapse as the walls are thicker.
- Commercial options. Crazy straws are a fun way of increasing the strength of sucking. They can be bent and twisted in all shapes and come in many colours. Plastic bottles, such as sauce bottles can be adapted to help teach and encourage sucking using aquarium tubing of the appropriate diameter and trimming the nozzle. With a tight fit the client or helper can regulate the flow of the liquid. 'Pop Top' drinks are a commercially available version of this.
- Customise. To customise a lip support, thermoplastic materials such as Orthoplast can be moulded to the shape of the child's lips. A straw is then threaded through the guard. A straw can be used in conjunction with other equipment to provide support for the lips eg. use a cork with tubing through it. This controls the amount of tubing in the mouth. The cork provides stimulus to encourage lip closure.
Bottles
- Material. Glass bottles are dangerous because they are easily smashed and can splinter. Consider a plastic alternative. Most are made of plastic. Some are very colourful to attract interest of disinterested feeders.
- Size. Who is going to hold it, the child or a helper? If the child is going to hold the bottle choose a small size bottle. Also use small bottles for small volumes of fluid.
- Shape. Bottles are generally round or hexagonal. Select a shape that is easy for the child to hold.
- Special needs. For clients with a cleft palate, special bottles are available.
Teats
- Size. It should fit the size of the child's mouth.
- Material. Consider the material that the teat is made of as well as the nipple size. They are available in different lengths and diameters, and frequently are made of silicon or latex.
- Strength. For infants with a weak suck or those that tire easily, try using a softer nipple. As they develop a stronger suck, use a firmer nipple. The nipple should not collapse when the infant sucks.
- Shape. Some infants that have problems with a standard nipple do well with one that is closer to the shape of the breast.
- Flow rate. The shape and diameter of the hole determines the rate of flow. Check the packaging for details of size. The nipple hole should not be enlarged as it can cause uncontrolled flow of fluid and be dangerous. Flow rate is determined by the position of the opening in the teat, horizontal, vertical or oblique. Refer to the advice given by the treating speech pathologist.
For further advice contact Princess Margaret Hospital.
Australian And Other Standards
For some types of equipment, specific Australian Standards are applicable to the materials used in, and the manufacturing processes applied to products. Purchasers are advised to check with the supplier or manufacturer of this item as to its compliance with the relevant Australian Standards. Stated compliance with a Standard does not guarantee that the product has been tested against that Standard.
Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
IDEA ONLY,
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