ABSTRACT
Small children should sit in a highchair (or similar) to eat, because it indicates to them that food is coming. It also helps to provide a good posture, which improves breathing and swallowing. Inflatable cushioned highchair inserts are useful: to offer optimum support, and to let the air out of them as the child grows. Most children seem to be able to lift and throw even the best suction plates, so it may be worth putting finger food directly on the tray. Small children tend to grasp with the palmar grip first. However, finger food is the best way to develop the pincer grip: efforts are immediately rewarded with great taste and texture as well as a feeling of success. The child may well spill drinks initially, but it does mean to avoid transitioning through multiple drinking vessels.
