Treatment of the Pediatric-Dysphagia

Postural/Positioning Techniques

Positioning techniques involve adjusting the child's posture or position during feeding. These techniques serve to protect the airway and offer safe transit of food and liquid. No single posture will provide improvement to all patients/clients, and in fact, postural changes differ between infants and older children. However, the general goal is to establish central alignment and stability for safe feeding. Techniques include

:

chin down-tucking chin down toward neck,

chin up-slighty tilting head up,

head rotation-turning head to the weak side to protect the airway,

upright positioning-45 degree angle at hips and knees, with supports as needed,

head stabilization-supported so as to present in chin neutral position,

cheek and jaw assist,

reclining position-e.g., using Boppy pillow or reclined infant seat with trunk and head support,

side-lying positioning for infants.

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