The Chirpy Swallow - Speech Pathology & Feeding Therapy

10/12/2022

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Dignity, freedom, and justice for all.

09/12/2022

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Of there's one topic in child development that gets mixed messages, it's the right time to introduce solids.
Allergy guidelines say from 4 months, WHO says around 6 months, others say but after 6 months, and there are some who say as late as 8 months, and cultural groups who offer purees from birth.
Truth is, there's not one size that fits all for every child and every family. But, there are some signs you can look out for that may tell you your child is ready. Although, they are widely spoken about, there is very little research evidence (yet) that we've found to support these.
👍🏻 Are they watching you eat and drink? This shows they are awake and alert enough for a mealtime. It also shows they are intrigued and have a positive attitude towards food.
✌️ Are they reaching for your food or drink? This is such a valuable skill because it leads to self feeding. Research shows a higher risk of food and drink going down the wrong way if you're fed by someone else.
🤟 Are they mouthing their hands and toys? Although it can be a bit gross, nothing is essential to move the trigger point of the safety gag reflex further back in the mouth to prepare for solids.
🖖Is their head and neck stable when sitting (in a supportive seat, see last week's Feeding Frenzy Friday post for more info!)
If n your child isn't showing the signs, they might not be ready. But there are things we can do, to support this. We'll discuss the above & strategies in more detail in a future post. Follow us to keep up to date!
Please note, some kids with sensory motor impairments and even topically developing kids, may not show all of these signs by 6 months. Speak to your GP or allied health team. But don't wait too long past 6 months because children need extra iron and zinc at this age, which they can't get from milk alone.

07/12/2022

02/12/2022

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What's the best way to feed my baby? Part 2 of 5.
Whether you choose to offer the bottle or whether other influences have lead you down the bottle path, your baby is well nourished and you are winning at this parenting gig!
There can be judgement and stigma associated with bottle feeding and formula. But your choice, is your choice, it's deeply personal to many, and you don't have to share or justify your reasoning to anyone, if you don't wish.
The judgement from others can feel like a personal attack and perception of being a lesser parent. But, the quality of nutrition that comes from formula is excellent and complete. The bonding experience you can have with your child can be just as strong as bottle feeding as chest/breastfeeding. And the ability to share the load and that bonding with others can be incredibly helpful.
So, you do you. Offer the bottle if you wish. Nourishing your baby and enriching their lives through your bond is what counts! Double tap if you agree ❤️
Comment with your guesses of the best way to feed your baby! Follow, so so don't miss out on parts 3-5 💃

29/11/2022

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In keeping with last Tuesday's Talking Tips (if you didn't see, go check it out), have you ever been to a foreign country where you only knew a few basic words? Picture being in Paris, anxious but desperate, you pluck up the courage to ask where the restroom is. A local replies with detailed directions but you don't understand a single word. Uh-oh. I've been there, I barely said anything more that entire trip and my French did not improve.
Our children are in a very similar boat. They may understand a few simple words but if we speak to them in long complex phrases, they likely won't understand any of it.
We often don't realise just how long and detailed our phrases can be. And our children miss out on vital information and language learning opportunities because it's too long and complex. Don't worry, after 15 years as a speech pathologist, I still get caught out!
Tip: "Keep It Simple St*pid" (KISS). Aim for short simple but grammatically correct phrase.
Common complex phrase: "Can you please go put on your shoes and get your jacket, we're running late to go see Sammy. Quick! We've got to go" (24 words)
KISS translation: "Shoes on, jacket on. Let's go!" (6 words)
Common complex phrase: "Wow! What an awesome car you have there, it drives so fast. You've driven to so many places, you went to the shops, and the school, and then you stopped off at the doctor's, didn't you?" (36 words).
KISS translation: Wow! Fast car! Where did you go?" (7 words)
Not only are the KISS phrases shorter and easier to understand, they both create the opportunity for your child to ask questions, or share information. This creates opportunity for your child to talk too, facilitating both their receptive and expressive language... Win, win!

25/11/2022

Positioning is incredibly important for safe and efficient mealtimes. Seating is especially important when introducing solids, especially if you're baby's head is still a bit wobbly when sitting.
Stability in seating allows for a stable foundation of support. Just like building a house, a solid foundation helps prevent the upper storeys from collapsing. Without stable positioning, babies are focusing their energy and control on sitting up & not slumping to the side. They will therefore have less energy and focus to put towards what's happening in their mouth and throat. This reduces their capacity to learn to safely and efficiently manage solids, and can increase their risk of choking or food going down the wrong way (aspirating).
Aim for a seat that encourages:
1️⃣ An upright and midline position of baby's torso, head and neck without slumping or leaning to one side.
2️⃣ 90-degree angle tilt function: You want to maintain the 90-degree angle at the hips when you tilt the seat back. Aim for a chair where the back and base move in unison when you tilt it back (tilt, not recline).
3️⃣ A chair that has padding and support, especially at the trunk to prevent slumping or leaning to one side, especially if tired or at the end of the meal. Or if not, allows for towels or foam padding to be added
4️⃣ Aim, as best as possible, for a seat where feet can rest flat on the footrest. Or if not, allows for a block to be attached to boost the height of the footrest. This gives extra stability and comfort throughout the meal
5️⃣ A tray is invaluable, or a seat that can fit right up to your dining table (so the table can act as a tray). You want to aim for the tray to be easily reachable, and not too high or far away

6️⃣ Speak to a physiotherapist or occupational therapist for more advice around seating & building head & trunk stability/control
solids

22/11/2022

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Welcome to the start of our Talking Tips Tuesday series. Where every Tuesday, we share some simple and easy to implement ways to encourage your child to communicate.
Have you ever tried to learn French? It's pretty tough! I've tried learning in my car through audio lessons, but I only remember to turn it on once a week. And, my French is basic, at best!
The problem? I rarely hear anyone speaking French. If I upped and moved to Paris (ahhhh, maybe one day!) my French would likely be way better.
Why? Because of all the modelling. And although Paris is the Fashion capital of the world, I don't mean fashion modelling. I mean hearing other people say what I'm trying to learn.
It's essential that your child hears you say the words that they are trying to learn, a lot! We must provide an enriched rich language environment for our children to learn.
Pretend your life is being filmed (yes, you as a Rich Housewife of Beverley Hills star!) and narrate everything you're doing and everything you see. Here are some examples.
"let's get a cup, here's the cup, time to pour some water, pour, pour pour. I'm thirsty, let's drink water. Cheers! Mmmmm, yum water. We're drinking water. Delicious!"
Look, car! Yellow car! Big yellow car! Drive car, brmmmmm. The car is driving, let's drive fast. Wow, so fast. Stop! Red light. It's green, let's go! Drive slow now, brmmmmm."
"Sarah's home! Hi Sarah. I'll give Sarah a hug, squeeze. And a kiss, mwaaah. Sarah's wearing shorts, cool shorts. Shoes off Sarah."