Handout

Encouraging Non-Nutritive Sucking in Infants

Therapy Insights Member Exclusive

Print Resource — US Letter — 1 page

Population:

Pediatric

Discipline:

SLP

Diagnosis:

Feeding and Swallowing

References:

Loeb, D. F., Imgrund, C. M., Lee, J., & Barlow, S. M. (2018). Preterm neurodevelopmental outcomes following orosensory entrainment intervention. Journal of Neonatal Nursing, 24(4), 203-207.
Poore, M. A., & Barlow, S. M. (2009). Suck predicts neuromotor integrity and developmental outcomes. Perspectives on Speech Science and Orofacial Disorders, 19(1), 44-51.
Zimmerman, E., Forlano, J., & Gouldstone, A. (2017). Not all pacifiers are created equal: a mechanical examination of pacifiers and their influence on suck patterning. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 26(4), 1202-1212.

Non-nutritive suck has been found to be one of the single most important prognostic indicators of motor, cognitive and oromotor development in neonates and term infants. This printable handout is for speech-language pathologists working with pediatric patients, covering Feeding and Swallowing. Print Resource, US Letter, 1 page. Members can view and print it.

Use this resource when a patient, family, or colleague asks:

How do I support non nutritive sucking in preterm infants?
How do I help infants who cannot safely feed orally develop oral motor skills?
What interventions improve sucking skills in infants with feeding difficulties?

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