Imagine how frightening it might be if a child you cared about had difficulty swallowing. What if every bit of nutrition was dangerous? At CUH, we see babies every month with swallowing difficulties. Many have tubes or other medical equipment that makes feeding them difficult. But because of your compassion for these children, we’re able to help. We don’t often think about the mechanics of swallowing; it’s instinctive. But for little ones with swallowing difficulties, food can get into the windpipe, causing coughing or spluttering.

How you’re helping

For children – especially those with the highest risk – we have the expertise and tools. We can train parents in using these tools and help children learn to swallow properly. Tools include weighted spoons that provide extra sensory input to a child who might have reduced sensation. It’s flat to help with lip seal as well. Or a variety of special infant trainer cups with different valve settings to slow the liquid as a child drinks. Parents can learn how to safely feed their little ones. And that’s thanks to caring like yours!

You can help safely feed our littlest patients

  • €13 Specialised drinking cups promote independent feeding and supports baby-led weaning by developing fine motor skills, pincer grip, and hand-eye coordination through its easy-to-hold, ergonomically designed open cup
  • €11 Specialised weaning pre-spoon encourages independent feeding and supports baby-led weaning by developing fine motor skills, pincer grip, and oral coordination through its unique flat head and easy-grip design.
  • €19 Bear Shaped Sippy Cups make drinking easier for beginners and children with oral motor challenges by promoting proper oral development and strengthening mouth muscles through straw drinking, while reducing effort with its unique flow-control valve.
  • €40 Training Cups help children with special needs transition smoothly from bottle to cup by offering adjustable flow control, spill resistance, and an ergonomic design that promotes safe drinking posture and independence.
  • €119 An adjustable Highchair supports speech and language development by promoting proper posture and oral-motor skills during feeding, while encouraging social interaction and communication at mealtimes.
  • €3 Feeding Spoons support speech and language development by improving oral-motor skills during feeding; their shallow, flat bowl design promotes better lip closure, tongue control, and reduces gagging, making mealtimes easier for children with oral sensitivities or low muscle tone.