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Eating and drinking
The eating and drinking items listed here have particular features which are relevant to children and young people with disabilities.
Other useful items which are readily available through high street retailers such as standard children's cutlery, trainer beakers, disposable bibs, feeding bottles and teats are not included here.
Eating a well balanced diet is essential to a child's health, and sitting down to a family or group meal provides children with an opportunity to socialise. And, since enjoying good food and company contributes to emotional well-being, group or family mealtimes should be encouraged.
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Help and advice
Eating and drinking are activities that many people take for granted, however they are very complex processes that involve the use and co-ordination of many muscles.
Before making any decisions about using or buying eating and drinking equipment for your child, we would advise you to seek advice from an expert.
A speech and language therapist can provide advice if feeding difficulties are caused through chewing and swallowing food or liquid. This may sometimes result in the recommendation of a modified texture diet.
An occupational therapist can advise on eating and drinking techniques, and equipment to overcome various difficulties.
You may also wish to read our advice on practical issues around choosing and using children's eating and drinking equipment.
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