We've got SO much to say on our straws... First of all it's important to note that our straws are soft and flexible which means they don't irritate your little ones, often swollen and tender gums, unlike a hard plastic or metal straw.
Then there is the diameter of our straws, wider straws don’t work the mouth muscles as well and can provide too much liquid into the mouth. This makes it difficult for a little one to swallow, causing them to spit out the liquid, blow the liquid back into the cup or have it accidentally enter the airway (aspiration).
Having a smaller diameter supports their lip and jaw closure, making sipping more successful and safe. Whilst encouraging oral motor development.
Finally our straw has a shorter length, this helps a little one with ‘suck-swallow-breathe synchrony’ lessening the risk of choking. This is because it takes less strength and coordination for a little one to suck liquid from a shorter straw. This also encourages nose breathing, which makes straw drinking more graceful and smooth.
Some knowledge about the thought process behind our carefully created Tippy Up Sippy Cup straws.
What to consider when choosing a Straw for your little one:
Straw Length - A shorter straw is easier (and safer) for children to drink from than a long one. Using a long straw can be concerning, as the child has to suck and hold their breath for a longer period of time. Holding their breath while learning to suck can be developmentally difficult for a baby or toddler. And drinking from a long straw can cause them to swallow liquids very quickly, which may be hard for them to manage. The ill-coordination of this process can lead to coughing, gagging, liquid coming out the mouth (or nose) and possible choking.
Straw Opening - It's important to find a straw with the right sized opening. Some straws are too narrow, requiring a child to work harder to suck (a difficult task for babies and young toddlers). This can cause children to fatigue easily and struggle to maintain their daily hydration needs. Other straws don’t work the mouth muscles as well because they are too wide, which provides too much liquid in the mouth. This makes it difficult for a little one to swallow, causing them to spit out the liquid, blow the liquid back into the cup or have it accidentally enter the airway.
Straw Material - It’s not fun for a child to have a hard straw cut open a tender area in the mouth. And if you have a child with a tongue or lip tie (and are considering getting a revision), you definitely want to use a silicone straw to make drinking less uncomfortable. Harder material straws can cause oral damage to teething little ones.
Straw drinking is an important skill for your little one to master. And it’s a great way for your baby or toddler to explore mealtime independence. Find all of out best straw drinking tips and tricks here.
