Feeding Therapy Program
For Infants with Poor Suck and Children with Motor Impairment.
Positioning Techniques
Positioning techniques involve adjusting the child's posture or position during feeding. These techniques serve to protect the airway and offer safe transit of food and liquid. No single posture will provide improvement to all patients/clients, and in fact, postural changes differ between infants and older children. However, the general goal is to establish central alignment and stability for safe feeding. Techniques include
Pic. 1 Tumble Forms Feeder Chair offers support and an adjustable feeding angle.
Feeding Therapy Techniques
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chin down-tucking chin down toward neck,
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chin up-slighty tilting head up,
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upright positioning-45 degree angle at hips and knees, with supports as needed, (pic. 1 )
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reclining position-e.g., using Boppy pillow or reclined infant seat with trunk and head support,
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cheek and jaw assist,
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head rotation-turning head to the weak side to protect the airway,
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chin down-tucking chin down toward neck,
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head stabilization-supported so as to present in chin neutral position,
EVIDENCE HIGHLIGHT
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Evidence indicates that for children with cerebral palsy, "positioning has a positive effect on feeding safety and efficiency by decreasing the risk of aspiration and diminishing mealtime"
( P. 71 )
EXPERT OPINION
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Body positioning should be identified for optimal swallow function. Position of trunk, limbs, shoulder and head support should be considered. Positioning interventions may involve specialized seating equipment ( )
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