Key points about how to sit when eating and drinking
- tube-fed tamariki need to sit in the correct position when eating and drinking
- tamariki need to sit upright with their hips, knees and ankles at 90-degree angles
- sitting in the right position will help your child focus on their food and control their muscles
- it also reduces the risk of them inhaling their food and drink and choking
Sitting in the right position when eating
Tamariki need to sit upright with their hips, knees and ankles at 90-degree angles. It helps them have a successful meal. Some tube-fed tamariki have muscle tone and muscle weakness. Some find it hard to control and manage their movements. These tamariki need extra care to make sure they are safe when eating and drinking.
How it can help your child
There is a correct position for tamariki to be in when eating. This position saves your child's energy, so they can focus on eating instead of trying to sit upright.
If your child is comfortable and stable, they will find it easier to eat. It will be easier to use the muscles needed for biting, chewing, swallowing and breathing.
Avoid having your child in an awkward, uncomfortable, or incorrect position. This puts them at risk of inhaling their food or drink and choking.
The best position for mealtimes
The best position for your child to be in at mealtimes is:
- hips, knees, and ankles at 90-degree angles
- upright upper body position
- feet comfortably resting on a foot stool
- elbows able to rest comfortably on the table
How to get your child to sit in the right position
Some chairs can help your child sit in the right position at mealtimes. This includes the Stokke Tripp Trapp and Mocka Feeding chair.
The chairs can:
- be adjusted to create 90-degree angles at the hips, knees, and ankles
- move with your child as they grow
- allow your child to sit closer to the table
- support your child's back and feet
- allow your child to move more freely
A booster seat or a footstool can help your child sit comfortably during meals.
A photo showing a young child sitting in the correct position to eat. They are sitting in a Stokke Tripp Trapp feeding chair.
Sitting in a wheelchair to eat and drink
Wheelchairs provide a greater amount of support for a child than most other seats do.
But, it is still important to aim for the following:
- hips, knees and ankles at 90-degree angles (as close to as possible)
- upright upper body position
- feet comfortably resting on a foot stool
Wheelchair users tend to benefit from extra support. A tray attached to their wheelchair can also allow easier access to foods.
When a child is eating in a wheelchair it is important their hips, knees and ankles are at 90-degree angles.
How to sit when helping a tube-fed child eat and drink
Try to aim for the following when helping your tube-fed child eat and drink:
- sit in front of your child so they can clearly view the food on offer
- sitting in front avoids your child constantly turning to see where you are
- make sure you are comfortable and stable
- have all equipment and utensils within easy reach
References
The content on this page has been developed and approved by the Clinical Network for Paediatric Tube Feeding, Paediatric Society of New Zealand | Te Kāhui Mātai Arotamariki o Aotearoa.
