Introducing oral and feeding toys and tools for kids is an exploration into the multifaceted world of sensory development and self-regulation.
These purposeful items are designed to not only engage a child’s oral motor skills but also foster a positive relationship with feeding and self-care. From textured chews to specialized utensils that make mealtime a sensory-rich experience for toddlers, these tools cater to various stages of development.
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As children navigate the journey of oral exploration and feeding independence, these toys and tools become valuable companions, contributing to their overall sensory development, motor coordination and the joy of self-expression.
Why Is the Oral Sensory System Important
The oral sensory system encompasses the sensations related to the mouth, including taste, texture and movement. This system not only plays a fundamental role in eating and speech but also contributes significantly to a child’s overall sensory experience.
From a developmental perspective, the oral sensory system is intricately linked to the development of foundational skills. Proper oral motor skills, including the ability to chew and swallow, are vital for nutrition and hydration.
The textures and tastes experienced during oral exploration contribute to a child’s willingness to try a variety of foods, facilitating a well-rounded and healthy diet.
Beyond the functional aspects, the oral sensory system is intimately connected to emotional regulation. Children often use oral exploration, such as sucking on a pacifier or chewing on a toy, as a means of self-soothing.
Providing appropriate oral sensory tools and toys can offer comfort and support in various situations, contributing to a child’s ability to regulate their emotions and navigate the complexities of daily life.
Feeding / Oral Sensory Tools & Toys
Chew Stixx Chewable Pencil Topper Shapes
Chew Stixx Pencil Toppers defeat destructive oral motor grinding, lessen anxiety, improve attention / concentration, and are excellent for use in therapy or at school.
Chew Stixx Jr
Chew Stixx Jr. when used properly provide a safe and bacteria free alternative for children who chew on shirts, pencils, fingers, etc. Chew Stixx combines multiple food simulating textures into one cost effective device.
Can Do Oral-Motor Fun Deck Flash Cards
Help kids tackle tongue stimulation, tongue strengthening, tongue movement, and lip strengthening and movement.
Therapeutic Small Textured Spoons
Provides oral-sensory stimulation along with feeding.
Tactile Tiger Chewable Armband
If your child has the need for tactile input, or the desire to chew or grind during stressful situations, this product is for them.
Harmonica
Wonderful musical instrument where kids learn how to use their mouth.
Grover Trophy Metal Kazoo
Great introduction to music and musical instruments
Orbit Sugarfree Gum 18 Pack Mint Variety Box
We have gone through boxes and boxes of these! A wonderful outlet for kids who need to chew.
ARK's Textured Bite-n-Chew
Use it to practice a variety of oral motor skills, such as jaw strength, jaw stability, biting/chewing skills, a sustained bite, and more.
Chew Necklace for Sensory Kids
Silicone sensory chew toys for autistic children and kids is the perfect natural way to calm & improve focus.
Sensory Chew Stick Toys
Each leg of the cross teether has a unique texture for different sensory needs, extended handle for an easy grab and reach the back molar areas where we do most of our chewing.
Sensory Chew Necklace
Perfect stimulation for any kid's need for oral stimulation! Tactile input from chewy rubber-like material keeps biting users - even the most aggressive chewers - satisfied.
ARK's Grabber XT Oral Motor Chew
This chew tool is extra tough, recommended for mild to moderate chewing. It's firm and durable, but still chewy and resilient.
Munchables Dragon Sensory Chew Necklace
Munchables can be used to safely stop chewing on shirts, finger nails, nails, pencils and more. They can aid with anxiety/stress relief, act as a sensory toy.
TalkTools Jiggler
Effective for increasing sensory awareness in the muscles of the jaw, lips, and reducing "fixing" or tightening in the muscles of the jaw. In some cases, the Jigglers, satisfy the need for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) stimulation as a replacement to negative oral habit
Looking for oromotor kit for lip closure, sucking , tongue elevation jaw stability