ARK's Bear Bottle Kit for Straw Drinking

The ARK Therapeutic Bear Bottle Kit is more than just an attractive drinking aid. This innovative kit is specifically designed to simplify the drinking process for beginners and children with oral motor challenges, while simultaneously strengthening essential oral motor skills necessary for speech development.

Designed as a cute honey bear, this bottle captivates children's attention and makes drinking a pleasant experience. The Bear Bottle Kit from ARK is an excellent way to transition babies directly from the breast or bottle to straw drinking, completely bypassing sippy cups. The use of straws instead of sippy cups promotes correct tongue and lip positioning, which is crucial for preventing speech problems later in life. Moreover, straws help strengthen oral motor skills and promote tongue retraction, jaw tension, and lip closure, which are essential for overall oral motor development.

One of the unique features of the ARK Therapeutic Bear Bottle is the integrated valve that controls the direction of the liquid. This valve ensures that the liquid flows up towards the straw and does not fall back into the bottle. By gently pressing the bear's belly, the liquid flows to the top of the straw and stays there, making less effort needed for drinking. This is particularly useful for children who tend to aspirate or have difficulty generating or maintaining suction.

The ARK Therapeutic Bear Bottle Kit includes an easy-to-squeeze Bear bottle with a click-lock cap, a Flow-Selection Valve, two twenty centimeter long tube straws, a yellow Lip Block® (1.7 cm), and instructions on how to teach straw drinking. The tube straws are reusable, chewable, and a durable alternative to traditional straws. The Lip Block prevents children from biting the straw or inserting it too far into their mouth, contributing to a safe drinking experience. As an addition to the kit, regular disposable straws are also available in a pack of 12 through the selection menu.

The ARK Bear Bottle can be used in various scenarios and is beneficial for children with conditions such as dysphagia, speech and language disorders, sensory processing disorders, oral motor issues, and physical disabilities. It is also a valuable tool for children making the transition from breastfeeding to bottles.

It's important to note that the ARK Therapeutic Bear Bottle is made from materials that are free from BPA, PVC, lead, phthalates, and latex, ensuring the child's safety and health.

While the ARK Bear Bottle is an effective tool, it is always advisable to seek the guidance of a healthcare provider or therapist before introducing new feeding methods or tools for a child who has difficulty with feeding or swallowing. These professionals can provide specific recommendations based on the child's unique needs and challenges.

So whether you are a parent wanting to make the transition from breastfeeding to straw drinking smooth, or a therapist working with children struggling with oral motor challenges, the ARK Therapeutic Bear Bottle Kit is an excellent choice. This kit combines functionality, safety, and appeal in a single, child-friendly product.