The use of a straw for babies can be done from a very young age. In fact, from 5 months of age (sometimes earlier for some), this learning is quite possible.
The straw is a very interesting tool for our babies
- This can be an alternative container, when baby is breastfed and we do not wish to introduce the bottle. Or when baby refuses the bottle, it is quite possible to use a straw as an alternative. In this case, don't hesitate to use a rigid straw to avoid baby pinching the straw.
- This allows the baby to strengthen all his orofacial tone. The lips will contract around the straw, the cheeks will also be stimulated, the tongue etc.
- Our baby's tongue will be able to move back (retract) with a straw. This means that the tongue will be positioned
- It can be a tool to stop bottle-feeding
- The straw allows baby to have a head that is well positioned when swallowing and not in extension
- Baby can be self-sufficient in feeding
- This promotes nasal ventilation
So how do you teach your baby to drink through a straw?
The first step will be to select a rather short and wide straw at the beginning, to facilitate learning.
The longer and thinner the straw, the greater the difficulty.
Straw learning :
- Equipment: small straw + glass with liquid (water, milk or other)
- Warn baby and tap the straw around baby's lips so that he can discover the straw, get used to the texture and open his mouth
- Then dip the straw into the liquid and make lip contact with baby to give him the information
- Draw in air and plug the top of the straw with your finger, so that the liquid stays in the straw, then place the straw at the edge of the baby's lips, or directly in the mouth if he agrees. This can trigger a suction directly. Drip a few drops into baby's mouth to let him know that there is liquid.
- Repeat the process several times
- Then after 3-4 times, leave your finger above the straw so that the liquid does not flow on its own, and baby sucks in
- Finally, the straw can be put into a bowl or glass so that baby can drink directly from it.
The straw is not a compulsory tool, although it is very interesting for the baby, either for everyday use or for rehabilitation.
Speech and language therapist specialising in paediatric eating disorders in infants. DME trainer
