4 Reasons Why You Should Consider Reusable Silicone Straw For Your Kids
Reusable silicone straws are a great way to make your child train from drinking in a bottle to an open cup. They’re planet-friendly, kid-friendly and fun, and they get kids engaged in a more eco-conscious lifestyle, one small sip at a time!
Here’s 4 reasons why your family needs reusable silicone straws:
1. SINGLE USE PLASTIC IS BIG NO-NO!
It may look like a teeny tube of plastic, but single use straws have some serious effects on the environment. While they’re only used for a moment then discarded, single use straws will remain in the environment indefinitely harming our marine animals.
By making the switch to reusable straws your family can reduce waste, reduce marine mess and support a more sustainable way of sipping. And it’s a good opportunity to show kids how small changes can make a big difference.
2. SAFE FOR CHILDREN’S USE
Silicone straws are soft, flexible and adjustable than other reusable straw options like metal and glass making them safe for kids to use. You can serve up cold milk or hot choco and these silicone straws can handle both!
They’re a particularly good option for younger kids, and kids that tend to bite down on the straw too - making it safe for their gentle gums.
Bonus! Brunoko Silicone Straws are BPA-free and toxin free - safe for kids to sip and bite.
3. MADE WITH DURABLE MATERIAL
Silicone straws are built to last and are highly durable compared to other reusable straws, when it comes to keeping up with rough, tough kids! Glass can crack or break and paper goes soggy.
And while metal straws are also highly durable, they can be a little too tough on your child’s delicate gums especially when they are starting to bite down.
Silicone straws don’t present a hazard to your little ones and don't break from biting, falling or even tampering. They are easy to hold, and they are safe, soft and bendy for simple reaching and sipping. And they can be used over and over again!
4. EASY BREEZY CLEANING
Another bonus of silicone straws over other options, is that they can be cut into desired length - making it usable by all ages!
THE ORAL MOTOR BENEFITS OF SILICONE STRAWS
Drinking from a straw is a very simple yet effective way of improving one’s oral motor skills. It works on lip seal, tongue retraction, cheek strength, correct jaw position, suck-swallow-breathe coordination, consecutive swallows, and more.
Straw drinking usually starts around 8-10 months of age. An easy way to teach beginners is with an open cup and silicone straws, which are made from silicone - safe for their teething and gentle gums. For more information on how to get one, click here.
Ideally, only ¼” of the straw should go inside the mouth to drink. But an adjustable straw will always come in handy, where you can cut the silicone straw into your child’s comfortable length. In this position, liquid is deposited in the front of the mouth where it is easier to manage and less likely to cause coughing/aspiration. And you also get a better oral motor workout. Most children put a lot more of the silicone straw inside their mouths, if not much more.
HOW TO TEACH A BABY TO DRINK FROM A STRAW
Start with water. It’s going to get messy - be ready. Fill the cup up just a bit at first and work up from there.
Cut the silicone straw short.
This will help you little one to get the water faster - avoiding the struggle of sipping too hard just to get the water into their mouth. Cut a reusable straw short so your baby doesn’t have to suck as hard to get something to drink.
Use a flexible straw.
Some babies have a hard time reaching the straw from an open cup. Flexible straw will also aid and soothe their teething gums. You can still cut these short if your baby needs a little extra help.
Put your finger on the end and drip it into your baby’s mouth.
Fill the straw and put your finger over one end to hold the liquid in, let your baby drink from the straw. Gradually release your finger slower so your baby has to start to suck to get anything from the straw.