ChiKids Speech & Feeding, LLC

ChiKids Speech & Feeding, LLC Speech-Language Pathologist, Feeding Specialist, and Certified Lactation Counselor providing resource

05/29/2026

I tested FIVE toddler milk cups, and only ONE passed the spill test!

💬Comment “MILK” below for a direct link to shop!

As a pediatric feeding therapist, I love a straight straw when your little one is sitting in the high chair and drinking. But I’m also a realistic mom of 3 and I know that sometimes you need an on-the-go cup for your child’s milk.

The problem is many of these straw cups leak! And spilled milk is a big mess. It gets everywhere!

So I put FIVE popular straw cups to the test with milk: shaking, tipping, and toddler-level chaos included.

Most leaked immediately!

But the Grosmimi Straw Cup was the clear winner!

What I love about it:
✨ Truly spill-proof design
✨ Weighted straw works from different angles
✨ Soft silicone straw for easier straw-drinking practice
✨ Flip-top lid for on-the-go toddlers
✨ Soft straw helps support the transition from bottles to straw cups

If you’re tired of cleaning milk off the floor every day, this one is worth try!

05/28/2026

Overstuffing is so common when babies are learning to eat— and it doesn’t mean your baby is doing anything wrong.

Babies are still learning:
✔️ how big a bite should be
✔️ how to use their jaw, tongue, and lips
✔️ how to control food in their mouth
✔️ how to control food with their hands
✔️ how to slow down and ace themselves

This simple banana prep trick gives your baby built-in feedback. Leaving the peel on creates resistance, helping them naturally take smaller bites off the top instead of stuffing their mouth.

⭐️ Quick tip: Be sure to wash that peel well first! The cut off one or both ends!

✨ Simple change. Big skill support.

If you’re unsure whether your baby is developing age-appropriate feeding skills—or want ideas to help them move to the next stage—

💬 Comment CHECKLIST and I’ll DM you my Infant & Toddler Feeding Development Checklist and activity guide so you can feel confident at mealtimes!

05/22/2026

Comment LALO to shop!

This chair is THE perfect summer travel highchair ☀️ Packs up in the cleanest little bag and hits all the marks for successful, safe eating:
✔️ footrest for support & stability
✔️ washable tray for messy mealtime
✔️ sits baby close to family so they can join in mealtime, watch & learn from the whole family

Grab one today!! And happy summer, friends!! 🏖️

05/21/2026

Pacifiers can be a really helpful tool when they’re used intentionally and at the right times!

💬 Comment “PACI” for a discount code and link to shop my fav pacifier!

As a pediatric feeding therapist, here’s how I guide families.

Why they work:
🤍 Sucking helps organize and calm your baby’s sensory system. When your baby is calm and regulated, they’re better able to breathe, sleep, and eat.

When to offer a pacifier:
✔️ When baby is starting to become upset or dysregulated
✔️ Before a feed while you’re preparing a bottle or getting ready to breastfeed
✔️ During diaper changes
✔️ During bedtime routines
✔️ On the go, when stimulation or movement feels overwhelming

How to offer it:
🤍 Instead of placing it directly in their mouth, gently touch it to their lips and let baby draw it in themself

Age-based guidance:
🤍 Birth–3 months: use as needed for soothing
🤍 3–6 months: begin limiting to sleep/crib times
🤍 6+ months: start gradually weaning (skip naps or remove once asleep)

Does the pacifier you choose matter?
🤍 Yes. I recommneded a rounded shape to promote tongue cupping, and I love the because it’s designed to support a more natural, whole tongue sucking pattern and gentle latch feel, which can be especially helpful for breastfed babies or babies working on oral coordination.

Important reminder:
🤍 Pacifiers should support regulation, not replace feeding cues.

What research shows:
🤍 Pacifier use during sleep is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS
🤍 When introduced after feeding is established, it does not negatively impact breastfeeding

The goal isn’t to avoid pacifiers, it’s to use them in a way that supports feeding, sleep, and development. 🤍
———
Hi 👋🏻 I’m Catherine, Speech Pathologist, Feeding Therapist, Certified Lactation Counselor & mom of three. Follow for evidence-based feeding tips and stress-free mealtimes.

05/19/2026

As a pediatric feeding specialist, I see this all the time, and the good news? There are simple ways to help your little one sip more safely and confidently.

Try these 2 easy strategies:
✔️ Thicken the liquid with a little purée. Thicker = easier to control when swallowing.
✔️ Pinch the straw. Smaller sips = less overwhelm.

These small tweaks can make a BIG difference in your baby’s comfort and success with straw drinking.

I’m using my favorite Tiny Cup designed by my fav SLP because it’s perfect for little hands and learning new skills!

👇 Want the link + my exclusive discount?
Comment STRAW and I’ll send it your way!

05/18/2026

💬 Comment TOYS for a link to shop both of these

I snagged these two adorable toys at target for my speech and feeding therapy sessions and I am in LOVE!!

🤍 This wooden dollhouse is the perfect size and comes filled with furniture, people and accessories! I love it for pretend play and speech and language development. So many great things you can do with this!

Even in my feeding therapy session sessions, I save a little time at the end to play with my clients. It’s a great way to bond and build rapport and trust! Which is super important in feeding!

🤍 This play sink has real running water and comes with a load of dishes! I love this for getting wet and messy. During feeding therapy, I will often bring in real food to wash and touch in the sink!

Save time to PLAY!! 😍

05/13/2026

📸 Screenshot this for later!! Or send to a friend who may ant to know! 🩷

Parents, you’ve got this!

It may feel like a lot, but some small shifts in the very beginning can make a big difference in time! 🤍

05/12/2026

Mealtime feeling chaotic lately? You’re not alone. 🤍

💬 Comment LINK for a direct link to check out this awesome plate live on Kickstarter now!
——-
As a pediatric feeding specialist, one of my first goals is always to make mealtime enjoyable. When kids feel engaged and happy at the table, everything else gets easier.

That’s why I’m so excited about the YumLit plate. It’s the world’s first patent-pending interactive light-up plate designed to keep kids focused on their food and engaged in eating.

Instead of getting up, melting down, or needing a screen to survive, kids stay at the table longer, and mealtime feels more calm (and fun!)

As kids eat, the lights build one by one around the rim, and when the meal is done, a celebratory light show appears! 🥳

If you’ve been looking for a simple way to bring more calm, connection, and smiles back to your table, this is such a great tool.

YumLit is officially live on Kickstarter! Preorder now to unlock early-bird savings. The best prices are only available for a limited time!

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