{"title":"Straws","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"201\" data-end=\"562\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"201\" data-end=\"260\"\u003eStraws for Oral Motor Development and Everyday Drinking\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"260\" data-end=\"263\"\u003eStraws can play an important role in supporting oral motor skills, safe drinking, and independent hydration. The Straws collection at eSpecial Needs features thoughtfully designed options that help children and adults drink more comfortably while supporting oral strength, coordination, and control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"564\" data-end=\"915\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"564\" data-end=\"604\"\u003eHow Straws Support Oral Motor Skills\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"604\" data-end=\"607\"\u003eUsing a straw encourages lip closure, tongue movement, and coordinated swallowing. These actions can help strengthen oral muscles and support skills related to speech, feeding, and overall oral motor development. Straws are often used as part of feeding routines, therapy exercises, or daily hydration needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"917\" data-end=\"1226\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"917\" data-end=\"960\"\u003eA Variety of Straws for Different Needs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"960\" data-end=\"963\"\u003eOur collection includes straws in different lengths, diameters, and materials to accommodate a wide range of abilities and preferences. From flexible and reusable options to therapy focused designs, each straw is selected for ease of use, durability, and comfort.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1228\" data-end=\"1536\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1228\" data-end=\"1277\"\u003eHelpful in Home, School, and Therapy Settings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1277\" data-end=\"1280\"\u003eStraws are commonly used by parents, caregivers, educators, and therapists in homes, classrooms, therapy clinics, and care environments. They support safe drinking during meals, skill building during therapy, and greater independence during daily routines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1538\" data-end=\"1868\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1538\" data-end=\"1590\"\u003eSolutions for Individual and Professional Buyers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1590\" data-end=\"1593\"\u003eWhether you are choosing straws for home use or ordering multiple items for a classroom, therapy program, or care facility, eSpecial Needs supports both individual shoppers and professional buyers. Our products are chosen for quality, reliability, and consistent performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1870\" data-end=\"2136\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1870\" data-end=\"1915\"\u003eTrusted Feeding Tools from eSpecial Needs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1915\" data-end=\"1918\"\u003eAt eSpecial Needs, we focus on products that enhance comfort, safety, and quality of life. Our straw options come from trusted brands and are designed to support positive feeding experiences and oral motor development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2138\" data-end=\"2434\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2138\" data-end=\"2168\"\u003eFind the Right Straw Today\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2168\" data-end=\"2171\"\u003eBrowse our Straws collection to discover supportive drinking tools that promote oral motor skills, independence, and ease of use. Whether you’re supporting feeding needs at home or in a professional setting, we’re here to help you choose with confidence and care.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"arks-lip-blok-3-size-kit","title":"ARK Lip Blok 3-Size Kit","description":"\u003cp\u003eARK's Lip Blok® mouthpieces are simple yet effective oral motor tools. They naturally exercise the mouth muscles to discourage tongue-thrusting, promote tongue retraction, and correct overall tongue positioning. They also prevent individuals from biting the straw or putting it too far into their mouths. Simply press them into the top of a straw, and drink. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the best results, start with the longest 3⁄4” length. Once the individual becomes accustomed to that length, switch to the 1⁄2”, and then finally to the 1⁄4”. This hierarchy slowly teaches individuals to put less and less of the straw into their mouths. When only 1⁄4” is inside the mouth, fluid is deposited in the front of the mouth where it is easier to manage and less likely to cause coughing or aspiration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith shorter lengths, you also get a better oral motor workout, as the tongue retracts more, the lips seal better, and the cheeks have more tension. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKit comes with three different lengths – 3⁄4” (yellow), 1⁄2” (blue), and 1⁄4” (turquoise)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLip Bloks fit into most standard drinking straws (measuring approximately .25\" in diameter)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCups and straws sold separately\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in the USA, medical grade, FDA compliant,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree of Lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, \u0026amp; latex\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in the USA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComes in a pack of 3\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003eCAUTION\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003eUse of these products should be supervised at all times.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ark Therapeutic Services","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48662097690901,"sku":"E19675","price":19.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0845\/4583\/1189\/files\/E19675-01.jpg?v=1767148973"},{"product_id":"arks-one-way-straws-10-pack","title":"ARK One-Way Straws 10-Pack","description":"\u003cp\u003eARK's One-Way Straws make drinking easier for individuals with  oral motor difficulties, and\/or problems generating and maintaining suction. This specialized straw promotes safer drinking and eliminates chocking or fluid going down the wrong wind pipe. With fluid remaining at the top of the straw, less air is ingested and less effort is required to drink.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSInce the valves are built-in, these straws provide both convenience for the caregiver and discretion for the user. They save time and labor for the caregiver\/therapist while increasing independence, dignity, and hydration for the individual. Can be used on their own, or with either the Cip-Kup® or Sip-Tip® to further assist drinking (not compatible with the Bear Bottle).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNote: ARK's One-Way Straws are ideally for thin, pulp-free liquids (water, milk, juice, etc). Not recommended for carbonated beverages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilt-in valve that controls the direction of fluid one-way\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInnovative design that keeps liquid from flowing back down into the cup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, or latex\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSold in a pack of 10 disposable straws\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in the USA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Ark Therapeutic Services","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48662097756437,"sku":"E19682","price":14.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0845\/4583\/1189\/files\/E19682-01_330b9aa3-3c42-42fd-afee-fcb2b2526428.jpg?v=1774604095"},{"product_id":"extra-long-drinking-straws","title":"Extra Long Drinking Straws","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Extra Long Flexible Drinking Straws are one of the best drinking solutions for individuals with limited head and neck movement on the market. These adapted long drinking straws are 28 inches in length when fully extended and feature three articulation points - one near the drinking tip, one in the middle and another near the end - to provide flexibility and stability for hands-free drinking. Bend and extend the straw to find the perfect position for drinking, or cut with standard scissors to create a custom length for the user.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach straw is washable, reusable, made of PP plastic and BPA-free.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Freedom Distributors","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48662250094869,"sku":"E09401","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0845\/4583\/1189\/files\/E09401-01.jpg?v=1767163603"},{"product_id":"safestraw","title":"SafeStraw","description":"\u003cp\u003eIf you need to prevent aspiration while drinking, look no further. The SafeStraw is the best in its class for adaptive straws for dysphagia. The SafeStraw drinking aid uses a small fluid chamber with a one-way valve and a \"float\" to regulate how much fluid is sucked through the straw.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDoes drinking with a straw help with dysphagia? Yes, it can, but it's better to use a specialized straw. How do you use a SafeStraw? The same way you’d use a regular one. However, this volume-limiting straw makes drinking easier for individuals with difficulty swallowing; SafeStraw delivers approximately 6.2 milliliters, or about one teaspoon, per sip. The float reaches the top of the chamber and closes it off to prevent from receiving more fluid. Once the float has reached the bottom of the chamber, they can safely draw another batch of fluid. and comes in two versions for both regular and thickened liquids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePLEASE NOTE: SafeStraw is designed for use with thin, water-like liquids, or nectar-thickened liquids. Use with carbonated beverages, or honey thickened will render the SafeStraw ineffective for limiting the volume of consumption.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor health and safety reasons, these are non-returnable and cannot be exchanged.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDelivers approximately 6.2 milliliters (about 1 teaspoon) per suck\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisassembles for easy cleaning with hot water and soap\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe SafeStraw provides a limited bolus size by use of a fluid chamber, a one-way valve\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhen the fluid travels through the chamber to the straw, the float rises\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHelp individuals with dysphagia and\/or deficient oropharyngeal or oral motor skills drink safely.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCuts down on manually controlling liquid intake by squeezing a straw or spoon feeding.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e Assists with oral motor control when swallowing liquids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFits in a variety of drinking containers, including caps and bottles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTop-rack dishwasher safe\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThin Liquid SafeStraw is white with a white plastic float\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThick Liquid SafeStraw is blue with a silver weighted float\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThick Liquid SafeStraw should be used with nectar thick liquids only\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne drinking straw included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in the U.S\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Bionix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48662522626325,"sku":"SafeStraw","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0845\/4583\/1189\/files\/SafeStraw-01_cbe96f6d-f1d2-4dce-8538-fc9e7ffae524.jpg?v=1774620388"},{"product_id":"safestraw-thick-liquid-safestraw-blue","title":"SafeStraw - Thick Liquid SafeStraw (Blue)","description":"","brand":"Bionix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48662522659093,"sku":"E08477","price":12.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0845\/4583\/1189\/files\/E08477-01_b14a8297-33cf-4c15-9072-efaf5801cf46.jpg?v=1774620392"},{"product_id":"safestraw-thin-liquid-safestraw-white","title":"SafeStraw - Thin Liquid SafeStraw (White)","description":"","brand":"Bionix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48662522691861,"sku":"E08476","price":12.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0845\/4583\/1189\/files\/E08476-01_c66d30d0-0d4f-4fbd-a67b-2e57f5992088.jpg?v=1774620398"},{"product_id":"sippin-bear-drinking-aid","title":"Spark Sensory Solutions Sippin' Bear Drinking Aid E10994 - Oral Motor Cup","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Spark Sensory Solutions Sippin' Bear Drinking Aid (SKU: E10994) is a beloved, therapist-trusted adaptive drinking cup designed to support infants, toddlers, and young children who are learning to drink from a straw or developing oral motor skills. With its friendly bear shape and gentle squeeze design, the Sippin' Bear makes straw drinking accessible for children with oral motor delay, autism spectrum disorder, and Down syndrome — without the hyperextension that traditional cups can cause.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA tried-and-true tool used by speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists for decades, the Sippin' Bear allows caregivers to control liquid flow with a gentle squeeze, helping children initiate sucking and master the suck-swallow-breathe sequence at their own pace. Whether used as a therapeutic training tool or an everyday drinking cup, the Sippin' Bear is the cutest, most effective way to build oral motor confidence in young children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGentle Squeeze Design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allows caregivers to control liquid flow, helping children initiate sucking and practice the suck-swallow-breathe sequence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e3 Bite-Resistant Straws Included:\u003c\/strong\u003e Strong, durable tubing that is difficult to crush, designed for children who bite or chew on straws\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBPA-Free \u0026amp; Latex-Free:\u003c\/strong\u003e Safe, non-toxic, allergy-conscious materials appropriate for infants and young children\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHand Washable:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to clean and maintain for daily therapeutic and home use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEliminates Hyperextension:\u003c\/strong\u003e Straw drinking position promotes proper head and neck alignment during feeding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIncludes Cap:\u003c\/strong\u003e Comes with one cap for spill-free storage and transport\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdorable Bear Design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Child-friendly appearance encourages engagement and reduces mealtime anxiety\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eTherapeutic Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sippin' Bear is a staple tool in oral motor therapy programs for children with feeding difficulties, low oral tone, and speech delays. Speech-language pathologists use the squeeze cup to provide graded liquid flow during straw drinking training, allowing children to experience success while building the oral motor strength and coordination needed for independent drinking. For children with autism, Down syndrome, and oral motor delay, the Sippin' Bear provides a safe, controlled, and motivating way to develop essential feeding and communication-related oral motor skills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIdeal For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInfants, toddlers, and young children (ages 0–6) learning to drink from a straw\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChildren with oral motor delay (OMD), autism (ASD), or Down syndrome (DS)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeech-language pathology and occupational therapy feeding programs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChildren with low oral tone, swallowing difficulties, or speech delays\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHome use by caregivers supporting children with feeding challenges\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSKU:\u003c\/strong\u003e E10994\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spark Sensory Solutions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.5\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiameter:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCapacity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8 oz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIncludes:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3 bite-resistant straws and 1 cap\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e BPA-free, latex-free plastic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand wash only\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShipping:\u003c\/strong\u003e Standard Shipping | In Stock\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Age:\u003c\/strong\u003e Infants (0–2), Toddlers (2–4), Early Childhood (4–6)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e For health and hygiene reasons, this product cannot be returned or exchanged once opened.\u003c\/blockquote\u003e","brand":"Spark Sensory Solutions","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48662550675733,"sku":"E10994","price":7.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0845\/4583\/1189\/files\/E10994-a.jpg?v=1774621573"}],"url":"https:\/\/especialneeds.com\/collections\/straws.oembed","provider":"eSpecial Needs","version":"1.0","type":"link"}