Quick Guide to Adequate Mealtime Seating
One of my biggest pet peeve around mealtimes is the lack of adequate seating support.
Bare in mind, adequate seating doesn’t mean expensive high chair.
We use towel rolls, sheets, and small pillows to fill gaps where support is needed. Books or boxes become foot support.
Why are these adjustments important?
By providing proper support, it helps sustain adequate breathing. It provides your child with stability so he/she can focus on eating. Trunk and hip support promotes better hand-to-mouth coordination as well as chewing.
Follow us to get more ideas on how to better support your child during mealtimes.
Already using these methods? Share your pictures with us. We love to hear from you. Happy Eating!
Cindy was born and raised in Aruba, which fostered her fluency in four languages and a passion for the language arts. After graduating with her master’s degree from the University of Central Florida – GO KNIGHTS! – she had the opportunity to move around the country and work in Orlando, Boston, and Chicago, before settling in sunny Miami with her husband and 2 kids. At each of these career stops, she was fortunate to be part of extensive pediatric medical teams, working closely with and learning from fellow speech therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists, lactation consultants, pediatricians, gastroenterologists, neurologists, early developmental specialists, respiratory therapists, behavior analysts, nurses, special education teachers and of course, parents and caregivers. Throughout her career, she’s enjoyed being an advocate for families whose primary language is not English and treasured the opportunities to help multiple families along their feeding journey.
Becoming a parent in the Spring of 2015 completely transformed her career perspective and approach. Understanding firsthand the anxieties and concerns that come with parenthood has propelled her to become a different type of clinician. One who’s more empathetic and focused on educating families and providers. Spurred by this newfound passion, and armed with 15 years of experience in the pediatric field, she decided to venture into a new approach to therapy.
Cindy is currently a clinical specialist at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and an adjunct professor of Dysphagia at Carlos Albizu University.
