Suck-Swallow Activities to Try at Home

These activities are gentle, supportive, and can be done daily:

• Straw Sipping: Use thin straws with water or light juice. Start with easy sips and work up to longer sequences.

• Pudding Spoons: Have patients suck pudding off a spoon, using a light inward "sip" motion to strengthen tongue-palate contact.

• Lollipop Press: Gently suck on a lollipop or frozen fruit stick, pressing the tongue to the roof of the mouth, then swallowing.

• Water Play with Lip Closure: At the sink, encourage playful sipping, blowing bubbles into water, or using water droppers for precise control.

• Suck and Swallow Games: Use melt-away snacks (like yogurt melts or puffs) that encourage tongue elevation, lip closure, and safe swallowing.

Tip: Encourage a calm, upright position and stay present during these moments. Small progress adds up!

Foods That Can Signal Trouble

• Bulky Foods: Thick meats (like steak or pork chops) that require heavy chewing

• Sticky Starches: White bread, bagels, or pasta that clumps or glues together

• Dry Solids: Crackers, rice, or biscuits that don’t break down well

• Mixed Consistency Foods: Cereal with milk, fruit cocktail, or soup with chunksLet’s get messy and encourage your child to explore the wonderful world of food! These little steps make a big difference on the road to confident, joyful eating.

If coughing, throat clearing, fatigue, or “pocketing” food (holding it in the cheeks) happens frequently—it’s time for a clinical swallowing evaluation.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a caregiver, clinician, or patient—know that small efforts matter. Practicing suck-swallow strategies daily can build resilience. And recognizing the foods that challenge your swallow can be the first step toward better safety and comfort.

If you have concerns, reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Warmly,
Esther Verbovszky, SLP
Star Center Foundation