Teaching Baby to Drink from Straw: Step-by-Step Guide
Disclosure: This article features products sold by Nestacular and has been medically reviewed for accuracy. Read our full editorial standards.
Teaching your baby to drink from a straw represents a significant developmental milestone that goes far beyond simple hydration. This skill strengthens oral motor development, supports speech preparation, and fosters independence during mealtimes.[1] Many parents across the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries wonder when and how to introduce straw drinking to their little ones. Understanding your baby's overall feeding schedule by age helps you identify the optimal time to introduce this new skill within their broader developmental timeline.
Research from pediatric speech therapists demonstrates that straw drinking provides unique developmental benefits compared to traditional sippy cups or open cups. The specific tongue and lip movements required for straw use help develop muscles essential for clear speech and efficient swallowing.[2] As part of your baby's progression through various feeding milestones, straw drinking represents an important step toward independent eating and drinking.
This comprehensive guide provides evidence-based strategies for introducing straw drinking, selecting appropriate equipment, and troubleshooting common challenges that families encounter throughout this learning process.
Key Takeaways & Summary
- Optimal Timing: Most babies can learn straw drinking between 6-9 months, though some may show readiness earlier or later based on individual development.
- Developmental Benefits: Straw drinking strengthens oral muscles, supports speech development, and promotes proper tongue positioning compared to sippy cups.[3]
- Step-by-Step Approach: Success requires gradual introduction, appropriate cup selection, and patient practice with positive reinforcement.
- Equipment Selection: Choose cups with soft, flexible straws initially, progressing to standard straws as skills develop. Explore our cups and drinkware collection.
- Common Challenges: Biting, spilling, and initial confusion are normal; consistent practice and appropriate techniques resolve most issues.
- Safety Considerations: Always supervise straw drinking, avoid choking hazards, and ensure proper positioning during feeding sessions.
Why Straw Drinking Matters for Development
Straw drinking provides distinct developmental advantages that benefit babies well beyond the feeding context. Speech-language pathologists in countries including Ireland, New Zealand, Germany, and Japan consistently recommend straw cups over traditional sippy cups for optimal oral motor development.[4]
Unlike sippy cups with spout tops that can encourage tongue thrust patterns, straws require babies to use their lips, tongue, and cheeks in coordinated ways that support proper swallowing mechanics and future speech clarity.[5] The suction created when drinking from a straw also helps develop jaw strength and stability crucial for feeding progression. Understanding these developmental advantages helps parents see straw drinking as part of their baby's journey toward self-feeding independence.
Speech Development
Strengthens muscles used for articulation and clear pronunciation of sounds.[6]
Oral Motor Skills
Develops lip closure, tongue retraction, and coordinated cheek movements essential for eating.
Dental Health
Promotes better tongue positioning and reduces prolonged contact of liquids with teeth compared to bottles.[7]
Coordination
Enhances hand-eye coordination and bilateral hand use when holding cups independently.
Bottle Transition
Facilitates smoother weaning from bottles by providing an intermediate drinking method.
Independence
Builds confidence and self-feeding capabilities as babies master this new skill.
When to Start Teaching Straw Drinking
Timing varies significantly among individual babies, but most can begin learning straw drinking between 6-9 months of age. The key lies in observing developmental readiness signs rather than focusing solely on chronological age.[8] Parents in France, Spain, Italy, and throughout the European Union often introduce straws alongside solid foods as part of comprehensive feeding development. For families wondering about the broader transition from bottles, our guide on when babies can use regular cups provides additional context for this developmental journey.
Early Introduction
Babies showing strong tongue control and interest in cups can begin exploration with soft straw trainers.
Active Learning
Most babies actively learn straw mechanics through demonstration, practice, and trial-and-error.
Skill Refinement
Babies typically master basic straw drinking and require less assistance during drinking sessions.
Independent Use
Toddlers demonstrate consistent straw drinking skills and can transition to various cup styles.
Readiness Signs to Watch For
Before introducing straw drinking, ensure your baby demonstrates these developmental indicators. Proper feeding positioning plays a crucial role in readiness and success:
- Sitting upright independently: Stable sitting provides proper positioning for safe swallowing during straw drinking attempts.[9]
- Showing interest in cups: Reaches for adult cups or shows curiosity about drinking vessels during family meals.
- Good tongue control: Able to move tongue purposefully and doesn't consistently push liquids out with tongue thrust.
- Hand-to-mouth coordination: Successfully brings toys, food, or hands to mouth with reasonable accuracy.
- Understanding suction: May demonstrate sucking on fingers, toys, or bottle/breast with effective suction patterns.
Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Straw Drinking
Success with straw drinking requires a systematic approach that builds skills progressively. The following method has proven effective for families across India, Brazil, Poland, Portugal, and other regions worldwide.[10] Parents should practice responsive feeding by watching for their baby's readiness cues and following their lead during practice sessions.
6-Step Teaching Method
Demonstration Phase
Show your baby how straws work by drinking from one yourself during meals. Exaggerate the lip closure and suction sounds to help them understand the concept. Repetition over multiple days builds recognition.
Dip and Taste Method
Dip a straw into a favorite liquid (breast milk, formula, or water), cover the top opening with your finger to trap liquid inside, then release it into baby's mouth. This helps them associate the straw with pleasant flavors.[11]
Assisted Suction
Use a soft, squeezable straw cup to gently squeeze liquid up the straw while baby has their lips around it. This gives them the sensation of liquid flow and teaches the lip seal necessary for effective drinking.
Guided Practice
Hold the cup steady while encouraging baby to create suction themselves. Provide gentle reminders to "close your lips" and "suck" while supporting the cup to prevent frustration from spills.
Independent Attempts
Allow baby to hold the cup with your hands nearby for support. Accept that spills will happen – they're essential learning experiences. Use appropriate bibs and placemats from our protective feeding collection.
Skill Mastery
Gradually reduce assistance as baby demonstrates consistent success. Introduce different cup styles and straw types to build versatility and confidence across various drinking contexts.
Choosing the Right Straw Cup
Cup selection significantly impacts learning success and safety throughout the straw drinking journey. Parents in the Netherlands, Sweden, Turkey, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates benefit from understanding the various cup options available at different developmental stages.[12] For families navigating the complete transition journey, our comprehensive guide on bottle to sippy cup transitions offers valuable insights into selecting the right products at each stage.
| Cup Type | Age Range | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft Straw Trainer | 6-9 months | Flexible silicone straw, weighted bottom, easy-grip handles | Initial introduction and learning basic suction |
| Valve Straw Cup | 8-12 months | Spill-proof valve, moderate flow control, durable construction | Reducing mess during active learning phase |
| Open Straw Cup | 10-15 months | No valve, teaches flow control, various straw lengths | Building advanced drinking skills and coordination |
| Standard Straw Cup | 12+ months | Regular straws, adult-like design, versatile use | Independent drinking mastery and everyday use |
Essential Features to Prioritize
- Soft, chew-resistant straws: Silicone straws withstand teething pressure while remaining gentle on developing gums and emerging teeth.
- Weighted or wide base: Prevents tipping during enthusiastic handling and learning attempts, reducing frustration and mess.
- Easy-grip handles: Ergonomic handles sized for small hands support independent holding and bilateral coordination development.[13]
- Clear or translucent body: Allows parents to monitor liquid levels and ensure proper cleaning of all cup components.
- Simple disassembly: Facilitates thorough cleaning and prevents bacterial growth in hard-to-reach areas and valve mechanisms.
Recommended Straw Cups and Training Equipment
The following carefully selected products support various stages of straw drinking development while prioritizing safety, durability, and developmental appropriateness. Each recommendation includes both benefits and considerations to support informed decision-making.
Totberry Duck-Shaped Baby Drinking Cup
Brand: Totberry | Material: Food-Grade Silicone
- Pros: Adorable duck design engages babies, leak-proof construction prevents spills, anti-hot feature ensures safe temperatures, soft silicone gentle on gums
- Cons: Higher price point, single character design may not appeal to all children, requires thorough drying due to intricate shape
- Perfect first straw cup for 6+ month babies beginning their drinking journey
360° Rotating Baby Water Cup with Handles
Brand: Various Colors | Capacity: 240ml
- Pros: 360-degree rotation allows drinking from any angle, double handles support bilateral coordination, leakproof design reduces cleanup, budget-friendly option
- Cons: Requires regular valve cleaning, some babies need time to understand rotation feature, plastic construction less eco-friendly than silicone
- Excellent for babies 8-12 months developing independent holding skills
SereniBabe Hands-Free Training Bottle
Brand: SereniBabe | Capacity: 150ml
- Pros: Innovative hands-free design builds independence, anti-colic valve reduces gas, affordable entry point for straw training, easy to clean and assemble
- Cons: Smaller capacity requires frequent refills, creative design may confuse some babies initially, limited color options available
- Ideal transition tool between bottles and straw cups for 6-9 months
Lumira Waterproof Silicone Baby Bib
Brand: Lumira | Material: Waterproof Silicone
- Pros: Deep pocket catches spills during learning, completely waterproof protection, adjustable sizing grows with baby, easy wipe-clean maintenance
- Cons: Silicone can feel stiff when cold, crumb pocket may overflow with very messy eaters, requires proper storage to prevent mildew
- Essential companion for straw drinking practice sessions and messy mealtimes
HoneyCub Baby Silicone Suction Bowl
Brand: HoneyCub | Material: Food-Grade Silicone
- Pros: Strong suction prevents throwing, divided sections perfect for varied foods, pairs well with cup practice, microwave and dishwasher safe
- Cons: Premium pricing, suction works best on smooth surfaces only, may be too large for very young babies
- Complements straw cup training by keeping solids secure during meals
BubblyJoy Bamboo Baby Bowl Set with Spoon
Brand: BubblyJoy | Material: Sustainable Bamboo Fiber
- Pros: Eco-friendly bamboo construction, natural antibacterial properties, includes matching spoon, lightweight for small hands, attractive design
- Cons: Not microwave safe, requires hand washing to preserve finish, bamboo may chip with rough handling, higher investment
- Sustainable option for environmentally conscious families during feeding development
PixiTots Complete Silicone Feeding Set
Brand: PixiTots | Pieces: 10-Piece Set
- Pros: Comprehensive 10-piece set covers all feeding needs, premium food-grade silicone, suction plates and bowls, coordinated design, excellent value for complete set
- Cons: Large initial investment, may include items not immediately needed, storage requires space, silicone-only limits material variety
- All-in-one solution supporting straw training alongside solid food introduction
3-Piece Wheat Straw Baby Feeding Set
Brand: Various | Material: Wheat Straw & PP
- Pros: Natural antibacterial wheat straw, adorable bowknot design, includes bowl, spoon and fork, budget-friendly price, lightweight and durable
- Cons: Cartoon design may date quickly, wheat straw can stain over time, hand wash recommended for longevity, limited color choices
- Affordable starter set perfect for babies learning both straw drinking and utensil use
OlivioTots Food-Grade Silicone Baby Fork
Brand: OlivioTots | Material: Premium Silicone
- Pros: Gentle on developing gums, non-slip ergonomic handle, multiple color options, promotes self-feeding alongside cup skills, easy to clean
- Cons: Soft tines may not pierce all foods effectively, sold individually rather than sets, silicone can retain odors if not properly cleaned
- Complements straw cup training by developing overall mealtime independence
Treeweb Children's Backrest Dining Chair
Brand: Treeweb | Type: Plastic Dining Chair
- Pros: Ergonomic backrest promotes proper posture, stable base prevents tipping, perfect height for straw practice, easy-clean surfaces, cartoon designs engage children
- Cons: Plastic construction less premium feel, requires floor space, limited adjustability as child grows, may not match all home decor
- Provides proper positioning essential for safe and successful straw drinking practice
Comparing Leading Straw Cup Brands
While we feature excellent options from Totberry, SereniBabe, and other quality manufacturers, it's worth noting how these compare to major market competitors. Leading brands like Munchkin, Tommee Tippee, and NUK offer similar features at comparable price points, though our selected products often provide superior silicone quality and more engaging designs that appeal to modern parents seeking both functionality and aesthetics.
💡 Pro Tips for Cup Selection
- Start with one cup type: Introduce a single style initially to avoid overwhelming your baby with too many options simultaneously.
- Consider household items: Regular drinking straws cut to appropriate lengths work well for practice once basic skills develop, eliminating need for specialized equipment.
- Prioritize cleaning ease: Cups with fewer parts and simple designs facilitate thorough cleaning, reducing bacterial growth and maintenance burden.
- Have backups ready: Keep 2-3 identical cups on hand for rotation during cleaning and inevitable loss or damage situations.
- Test at stores when possible: Many baby supply stores in China, United Kingdom, and elsewhere allow parents to examine cups before purchasing.
Troubleshooting Common Challenges
Most families encounter obstacles during the straw drinking learning process. Understanding common issues and evidence-based solutions helps maintain patience and persistence throughout skill development.[14] If your baby experiences persistent difficulties beyond typical learning challenges, our guide on common feeding problems and solutions may provide additional troubleshooting strategies.
Biting Instead of Sucking
Many babies initially bite down on straws rather than creating suction for drinking. This represents normal exploration behavior as they investigate this new object with their mouth.[15]
Solutions:
- Gently remind baby to "make lips round" while demonstrating proper positioning
- Use shorter, wider straws that limit how far teeth can close on the straw
- Offer straw practice when baby is calm rather than during teething discomfort
- Consider extra-soft silicone straws that feel less satisfying to bite
Blowing Bubbles Instead of Sucking
Blowing into the straw often precedes proper sucking as babies experiment with breath control and oral motor coordination.
Solutions:
- Acknowledge this as progress – blowing demonstrates understanding of air flow concepts
- Model appropriate sucking sounds and motions during your own drinking
- Use thicker liquids (smoothies, slightly thickened water) that resist blowing out
- Try the "squeeze and release" method where you control liquid flow initially
Refusing the Straw Entirely
Some babies show no interest or actively reject straw cups when first introduced, preferring familiar bottle or breast feeding methods.
Solutions:
- Respect developmental timing – some babies simply need more time before readiness emerges
- Offer straws during play rather than pressure-filled mealtimes
- Use favorite beverages (breast milk, formula) rather than water initially
- Take a break for 1-2 weeks before reintroducing if resistance continues
Excessive Spilling and Mess
Learning any new skill involves mistakes, and straw drinking produces inevitable spills as coordination develops.
Solutions:
- Use small amounts of liquid (1-2 ounces) during practice sessions
- Protect surfaces and clothing with appropriate bibs from our mess-free essentials collection
- Choose weighted cups that resist tipping during handling
- Practice outdoors or in bathtub initially to reduce cleanup stress
- Celebrate efforts rather than focusing on mess to maintain positive associations
⚠️ When to Seek Professional Guidance
While most babies master straw drinking with patience and practice, certain situations warrant professional evaluation:
- Persistent choking or coughing: Frequent choking during any drinking attempts may indicate swallowing coordination concerns requiring assessment.[16]
- No progress after 3 months: Babies showing no improvement after consistent practice may benefit from speech therapy evaluation.
- Significant oral aversion: Extreme distress or refusal of all oral feeding tools warrants feeding specialist consultation.
- Developmental concerns: If straw drinking challenges accompany other developmental delays, discuss comprehensively with pediatrician.
- Aspiration symptoms: Wet-sounding breathing, chronic cough, or recurrent respiratory infections during feeding require immediate medical attention.
Emergency contacts: NHS: 111 (UK) | Healthdirect: 1800 022 222 (Australia) | Health Link: 811 (Canada) | General Emergency: 112 (European Union) | Always contact your local pediatrician or GP for feeding concerns.
Safety Considerations for Straw Drinking
Maintaining safety throughout the straw drinking journey protects babies while building confidence in this new skill. Parents worldwide should understand key safety principles regardless of geographic location.[17]
Positioning and Supervision
- Always seated upright: Babies must sit completely upright in appropriate high chairs or booster seats during all drinking sessions to prevent aspiration.
- Constant supervision required: Never leave babies unattended with straw cups, even for brief moments, as choking can occur rapidly.
- Appropriate serving amounts: Start with 1-2 ounces to limit potential choking risk if baby drinks too quickly.
- No drinking while moving: Discourage walking, crawling, or playing while using straw cups to reduce injury and aspiration risks.
Equipment Safety
- Regular inspection: Check straws, valves, and cup components daily for damage, wear, or sharp edges that could injure mouths.
- Age-appropriate straw length: Ensure straws don't extend too far into mouth where they might trigger gagging reflexes.[18]
- BPA-free materials only: Always select cups made from food-grade, BPA-free materials tested to safety standards in the UK, US, EU, and other regions.
- Proper cleaning protocols: Thoroughly clean all components daily using bottle brushes designed for straw cleaning to prevent bacterial growth.
- Temperature monitoring: Test liquid temperature before offering to prevent burns, especially with heated milk or formula.
Choking Prevention
Understanding the difference between normal gagging and dangerous choking proves essential for all caregivers. Gagging represents a protective reflex where babies cough, make noise, and may temporarily turn red but continue breathing. Choking involves airway blockage where babies cannot cough, make sound, or breathe effectively.
Immediate choking response:
- Stay calm and quickly assess if baby is coughing or silent
- For babies under 1 year who cannot cough or breathe, perform back blows and chest thrusts
- Call emergency services immediately if obstruction doesn't clear quickly
- Learn infant CPR through certified courses available in most countries
🏥 Material Sensitivities and Allergies
While rare, some babies may develop sensitivities to materials used in drinking cups and straws:
- Silicone sensitivity: Watch for redness, rash, or irritation around mouth after using silicone straws; switch to alternative materials if symptoms develop.
- Latex allergies: Ensure all products are latex-free, as latex allergies can cause serious reactions requiring immediate medical attention.
- Chemical sensitivities: Some babies react to plastics despite BPA-free status; consider glass or stainless steel alternatives if symptoms occur.
- Cleaning product residue: Rinse cups thoroughly after washing to remove potential irritants from soaps and sanitizers.
- Consult allergist: Any concerning symptoms warrant professional evaluation to identify specific sensitivities and safe alternatives.
Alternative Approaches and DIY Solutions
Not every family requires specialized equipment for successful straw drinking introduction. Simple household items and creative approaches work effectively for many babies.
Household Items for Practice
- Regular drinking straws: Cut standard straws to 3-4 inch lengths for safe, age-appropriate practice tools that cost pennies.
- Juice box straws: The slightly stiffer construction of juice box straws helps some babies understand the concept more easily.
- Medicine droppers: Use clean medicine droppers to introduce the concept of liquid flowing into mouth from a narrow opening.
- Thick smoothie practice: Blend fruits into thick smoothies that move slowly, giving babies more time to coordinate swallowing.
Cost-Effective Training Techniques
Families watching budgets can successfully teach straw drinking without expensive specialized equipment:
- Use regular cups with cut straws secured with rubber bands at appropriate heights
- Practice in the bath with water play to reduce cleanup stress and product costs
- Borrow various cup styles from friends to test preferences before purchasing
- Create DIY weighted cups by placing clean stones in double-walled containers
- Join local parent groups where families often share or exchange feeding equipment
Supporting Speech Development Through Straw Use
The oral motor benefits of straw drinking extend significantly into speech and language development, making this skill particularly valuable beyond simple hydration purposes.[19]
Speech-language pathologists frequently recommend straw drinking for children with articulation delays because the specific movements strengthen muscles used for producing clear speech sounds. The lip rounding, tongue retraction, and cheek stability required for effective straw use directly translate to improved clarity in sounds like "sh," "ch," "s," and "r."[20]
Maximizing Speech Benefits
- Vary straw resistance: Use straws of different diameters to challenge and strengthen oral muscles progressively.
- Encourage lip closure: Provide verbal reminders about keeping lips closed around the straw during drinking.
- Practice blow-suck alternation: Once baby masters sucking, teach gentle blowing to develop breath control for speech.
- Make drinking sounds: Model exaggerated sucking noises to highlight the oral movements involved in drinking.
- Combine with speech practice: For toddlers, pair straw drinking with simple speech exercises recommended by therapists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my 4-month-old start learning straw drinking?
While some babies show early interest, most lack the developmental readiness for straw drinking before 6 months. Focus on establishing strong sucking patterns with bottles or breast first, then introduce straws when sitting skills and tongue control emerge around 6-7 months.[8]
How long does it typically take for babies to learn straw drinking?
The learning timeline varies dramatically among individual babies. Some master the skill within days of introduction, while others require several weeks or months of consistent practice. Most babies show proficiency within 2-4 weeks of regular, patient practice sessions.
Should I skip sippy cups and go straight to straws?
Many speech therapists recommend transitioning directly from bottles to straw cups or open cups, bypassing traditional sippy cups entirely. Sippy cups with hard spouts can encourage tongue thrust patterns that interfere with proper oral motor development and may contribute to dental problems with prolonged use.[7]
What liquids work best for initial straw practice?
Start with familiar, preferred liquids like breast milk, formula, or slightly thickened water that baby already enjoys. The familiar taste encourages cooperation during learning. Avoid juice initially as the sweetness may create preference problems with plain water later.
My baby bites the straw constantly – is this normal?
Yes, straw biting represents typical exploratory behavior as babies investigate new objects with their mouths. This phase usually passes within 1-2 weeks as babies understand the straw's function. Extra-soft silicone straws feel less satisfying to bite and may discourage this behavior.[15]
When should I worry about choking with straw cups?
Occasional gagging (coughing, making noise, able to breathe) during learning is normal and protective. Seek immediate medical attention if baby cannot cough, make sounds, breathe, or turns blue. Learn infant choking response and CPR through certified courses for all caregivers.
Can straw drinking help with bottle weaning?
Many families find straw cups ease bottle transition by providing a middle step between sucking from bottle nipples and drinking from open cups. The familiar sucking motion with straw cups feels more natural to bottle-fed babies than immediate open cup introduction.
How do I clean straw cups thoroughly?
Use specialized bottle brushes with thin attachments designed for straw cleaning. Disassemble all components daily, clean with hot soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and allow complete air drying. Replace straws showing wear, discoloration, or damage to prevent bacterial growth and potential injury.
Conclusion: Building Confidence Through Practice
Teaching your baby to drink from a straw represents a valuable investment in oral motor development, speech preparation, and feeding independence. While the learning process requires patience, consistency, and appropriate equipment, most babies master this skill within weeks of introduction when families use systematic approaches outlined in this guide.
Remember that every baby develops at their own unique pace. Some may show immediate interest and rapid skill acquisition, while others need extended time and encouragement. Maintaining positive, pressure-free practice sessions supports continued progress even when temporary setbacks occur.
For additional guidance on feeding development, explore our comprehensive resources on baby-led weaning approaches, introducing solid foods, and selecting age-appropriate feeding equipment throughout your baby's developmental journey.
References
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Feeding and Swallowing Disorders in Children. Available at: https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/pediatric-dysphagia/
- Arvedson, J. C. (2023). Oral Motor Development and Swallowing in Infants. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 70(3), 521-535.
- NHS. (2024). Drinks and Cups for Babies and Young Children. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/weaning-and-feeding/drinks-and-cups-for-babies-and-young-children/
- Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. (2023). Clinical Guidelines for Infant Feeding Development.
- Overland, L. & Merkel-Walsh, R. (2022). A Sensory-Motor Approach to Feeding. TalkTools. Available at: https://www.talktools.com/
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. (2024). Policy on Oral and Dental Aspects of Child Abuse and Neglect. Pediatric Dentistry, 45(6), 123-134.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). Healthy Teeth for Children. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/childrens-oral-health/index.html
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Complementary Feeding: Family Foods for Breastfed Children. Available at: https://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/complementary_feeding/en/
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (2024). Starting Solid Foods. Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/Starting-Solid-Foods.aspx
- Carruth, B. R. & Skinner, J. D. (2020). Feeding Behaviors and Other Motor Development in Healthy Children. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 102(12), 1814-1819.
- Morris, S. E. & Klein, M. D. (2023). Pre-Feeding Skills: A Comprehensive Resource for Mealtime Development. Therapy Skill Builders.
- Public Health England. (2024). Infant Feeding Survey. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/infant-feeding-survey
- Case-Smith, J. & O'Brien, J. C. (2023). Occupational Therapy for Children and Adolescents. Elsevier Health Sciences.
- Delaney, A. L. & Arvedson, J. C. (2022). Development of Swallowing and Feeding: Prenatal Through First Year of Life. Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews, 14(2), 105-117.
- Gisel, E. G. (2021). Oral-Motor Skills Following Sensorimotor Intervention in Children with Moderate Eating Impairment. Dysphagia, 16(4), 346-353.
- NHS. (2024). Choking Prevention for Babies and Children. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/safety/keeping-your-baby-safe/choking-prevention-for-babies-and-children/
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (2024). Choking Prevention. Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/Pages/Choking-Prevention.aspx
- Safe Kids Worldwide. (2024). Choking Hazards for Young Children. Available at: https://www.safekids.org/tip/choking-prevention-babies-and-toddlers
- Marshalla, P. (2023). Oral Motor Techniques in Articulation and Phonological Therapy. Mill Creek, WA: Marshalla Speech and Language.
- Rosenfeld-Johnson, S. (2021). Oral Placement Therapy for Speech Clarity and Feeding. TalkTools Therapy.
