Collection: Oral Motor
Oral motor skills refer to the movements of the muscles in the mouth, lips, tongue, and jaw. These skills are crucial for a child’s ability to eat, speak, and make facial expressions. Proper development of oral motor skills is essential for strengthen the muscles around the mouth, improve coordination, and support sensory development. These activities are not only vital for speech clarity and articulation but also for proper feeding and swallowing. Engaging in these activities can prevent or address challenges related to speech delays, feeding difficulties, and other developmental concerns.
Examples of Oral Motor Play
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Bubbles: Blowing bubbles can help strengthen oral muscles while providing visual and tactile stimulation.
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Pinwheels: Encourage your child to blow on a pinwheel to make it spin, which helps enhance breath control and lip rounding.
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Chewable Necklaces: These are safe, non-toxic necklaces designed for children to chew on, promoting jaw strength and coordination.
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Teething Toys: Even for children who are beyond teething, these toys can provide resistance and sensory input that are beneficial for oral motor development.
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Animal Sounds: Making animal noises can be a fun way to practice different mouth movements and strengthen voice control.
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Singing Songs: Engage your child in singing, which encourages various mouth movements and breath control.
