Our feeding therapy team here at Bambini share some tips on how to support your child's postural stability at mealtime. Feel free to read our tips or learn more in our YouTube clip by clicking on the image below!
Why is postural stability important?
Postural stability supports respiratory function (breathing) which is our body's first priority.
It provides security within the seating arrangement and helps children stay at the table.
It allows for better hand-to-mouth coordination and fine motor skills.
Postural stability allows for full range of motion in the jaw for chewing.
How to identify if a child has difficulties with postural control?
Slouching while sitting.
Using their hands to hold themselves up or balance while sitting.
Locking their joints.
Prefer to stand and eat.
Like to walk around when eating.
Sliding out from underneath tables and trays.
Seating Recommendations
Use a 'no skid' mat under your child's rear end.
The child should be sitting forward enough that their knees are at a 90 degree angle over the front edge of the chair.
Their feet should be able to rest flat on a stable foot rest with their ankles also at a 90 degree angle (babies who are still reclined do not need a foot rest).
Use side supports if needed (e.g., high chair helper, yoga blocks, pool noodles).
The tray/table surface should fall about halfway between the child’s belly button and breast level.
After 14-16 months, children should be up at the table with the family and no longer using a high chair with a tray (if the high chair is very adjustable, it may be OK to continue using it without the tray as long as it is pushed up to the family table).
REMEMBER: You will need to adjust the child’s seating arrangement every 3 months
Chairs We Recommend
First Feeding Chairs:
Ensure the chair can recline and then sit up.
Start babies in the slightly reclined back position first, to fully support the head.
Once a child is pulling forward to reach the spoon, it will be time to transition to a feeding chair that allows them to sit upright in the 90-90-90 position.
After 14-16 months of age:
Adjustable wooden chairs are the easiest to adjust as the child grows, and will continue to support them through their early schooling years. With a tray, these are a better option than a high chair and last longer.
Hook on high chairs work well for families who only have a tall table or kitchen island/breakfast bar. However, you must provide a foot rest for all of these types of chairs.
We strongly encourage you to reach out to your child’s feeding therapist if you have any further questions or would like any clarification to help you support your child on their feeding therapy journey.
These strategies were obtained from the SOS Approach to Feeding Guide and were developed by Kay A. Toomey and Associates 2002/2010