APPENDIX 6: Feeding Equipment

Table 20: Feeding Equipment
Adapted from (NSW Office of Kids and Families, 2016)

There is a broad range of specialized feeding equipment on the market including nipples and soothers, cleft palate nipples and bottles, cut away cups etc. Below is a list of the feeding equipment discussed within the CPG including features and examples of the identified items.

Sensory and oral motor

When selecting sensory and oral sensorimotor items consider the following:

  • stimulates a more active sucking pattern
  • works towards reducing hypersensitivity in the mouth
  • increases tolerance for food textures
  • reduces the strength of the tonic bite reflex
  • increases acceptance of objects in close proximity to the face and mouth
  • increases oral experience and exploration for the purposes of addressing tongue, lip and jaw movements
  • Increases oral organization

Features

Examples

Sensory awareness toys

Some toys build simple awareness of sensations in the mouth

Sensory discrimination toys

Other toys offer more complex sensory opportunities including variations in textures, smell, sound or light

Chewing practice

Toys for chewing or mesh food bag for chewing on foods safely and increasing food exploration

Pacifier/Soother

When selecting a soother consider the following:

  • The size and shape of the child’s mouth
  • Same or similar shape as the preferred bottle nipple (if infant has difficulty making sensory transitions)
  • Has an outer shield that is molded to the shape of the lips
  • Accommodates other equipment on the child’s face (e.g. oxygen or enteral tubing)

Nipples

Considerations when selecting nipples may include:

  • Correct fit for the size and shape of the infant’s mouth
  • Flow rate needs to be appropriate for the consistency of the liquid, the infant’s abilities and positioning
  • Firmness of the nipple to match the infants’ sucking strength.

Bottles

Considerations when selecting bottles may include:

  • Bottle size (i.e., holds the appropriate amount of fluid)
  • Accommodates nipples with the recommended flow rates
  • Free of bisphenol A (BPA).
  • Ease of availability in the community or cost of bottle if lost or damaged

 

 

 

Cups

When selecting, consider whether the cup:

  • Encourages optimum head position when drinking (e.g., can be tipped to get liquid at the lip without tipping the child’s head back)
  • Does not shatter or break
  • Gives the feeder a clear view of the child’s mouth
  • Provides a thick or rolled lip for extra stability
  • Provides a graded control of liquid flow
  • Is easy to hold and regulate liquid flow when held by an adult
  • Provides an appropriate physical shape and means of holding for a self-feeder
  • Is visually interesting to the child.
  • Option of single or dual handles

Features

Examples

 

Cup and mug holders

 

Cups with handles/grips

 

Cut out rims

 

Cups with spouts/lids

Some cups have internal valve that can be adjusted to reduce flow

 

Straws

Considerations when selecting straws may include:

  • The amount of suction required to draw the liquid
  • A one-way valve to prevent the liquid from flowing back down the straw between sips
  • Length and width
  • Can be cut, bent or adjusted to accommodate child’s skills
  • Does not shatter or break if the child chews or bites on it

Features

Examples

 

Squeeze straw cups (e.g. Honeybear)

These types of straw cups allow for the straw to be loaded without suction, thereby reducing the amount of suction required to extract the fluid

One way straws

Extendable straws

 

Spoons

Considerations when selecting spoons may include:

  • The bowl size for appropriate amount of food
  • The bowl shape to best match and promote optimal oral motor skills 
  • Metal spoons are covered, coated or have a plastic bowl for the child who is hypersensitive to the temperature or taste, or has a bite reflex
  • The spoon does not shatter or break if the child bites it
  • The length of the handle is appropriate for the feeder’s hand for dependent feeding and appropriate for the child’s hand for independent feeding
  • Adaptive handle to facilitate the child holding it independently
  • Appropriate weight and a pleasing texture for the infant or child to hold
  • Color and design to maintain the child’s attention
  • Moulded handles to promote secure grip handle
  • Angled spoons to accommodate a variety of movement patterns

Features

Examples

 

Shallow, flat or narrow bowls

 

Handles which are textured, contoured, curved, built-up or looped

 

Angled handles (left and right handed)

 

Weighted spoons

 

Shallow, flat or narrow bowls

 

Plastic coating

 

Other Cutlery

Considerations when selecting cutlery may include:

  • Adaptive handles facilitate a child’s grip. Some handles may include a ridge to prevent hand slipping forward towards the spoon’s head
  • If maintaining a grip on the handle is an issue, a hand strap with a slot to hold the handle
  • The length of the handle is appropriate for the feeder’s hand for dependent feeding and appropriate for the child’s hand for independent feeding
  • Appropriate weight and a pleasing texture for the infant to hold
  • Color and design to maintain the child’s attention.

Features

Examples

 

Handles which are textured, contoured, curved, built-up or looped

 

Angled handles (left and right handed)

Elastic straps (either integral to the design or as a separate item)

 

Plates/Bowls

Considerations when selecting plates/bowls toys may include:

  • Weight (e.g., a heavier plate is less likely to slip)
  • A slip-resistant mat or built in suction cup to help  to stabilize a plate or bowl
  • A plate guard or lip  to assist with the loading of the food

Features

Examples

 

High sided plates and bowls

 

Portioned plates

 

Plate guards

 

Slip resistant bowl

 

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