What is the 90-90-90 seating position for feeding?

The 90-90-90 Rule: Optimizing Your Child’s Mealtime Posture

Mealtimes shouldn’t be a battleground. For young children, especially those still developing their eating skills, proper posture is crucial for a comfortable and safe dining experience. This is where the “90-90-90 rule” comes in – a simple yet effective guideline for optimizing your child’s seating position during meals.

The 90-90-90 rule refers to the three key joints: hips, knees, and ankles. Ideally, when your child is seated, these joints should each form a roughly 90-degree angle. This means:

• Hips: Their hips should be bent at approximately a 90-degree angle. Think of them sitting squarely in their chair, not slumped over or leaning back.
• Knees: Their knees should also be bent at around a 90-degree angle. Their feet should be flat on the floor or a supportive footrest.
• Ankles: Their ankles should be bent at approximately a 90-degree angle. This ensures proper foot placement and prevents strain on their legs.

Achieving this posture requires more than just plopping your child into any chair. The height of the chair and the table are equally important. A chair that’s too low will force them to hunch over, while a chair that’s too high will leave their feet dangling. Similarly, a table that’s too high or too low will make reaching for food uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.

Why is 90-90-90 important?

This optimal posture provides several key benefits:

• Safe Swallowing: Good posture helps maintain an open airway, reducing the risk of choking or aspiration, particularly crucial for children learning to eat independently. A slumped posture can compromise the airway.
• Improved Digestion: Proper posture aids in efficient digestion by allowing for optimal stomach function.
• Enhanced Comfort: A comfortable seated position encourages your child to enjoy their meals without discomfort or frustration. This can contribute positively to their overall eating experience and relationship with food.
• Development of Good Habits: Establishing the 90-90-90 posture from a young age fosters good postural habits that extend beyond mealtimes.

Practical Tips for Achieving 90-90-90:

• Choose age-appropriate seating: Use booster seats, high chairs, or chairs with appropriate height adjustments as your child grows.
• Use footrests if necessary: If your child’s feet don’t comfortably reach the floor, provide a sturdy footrest.
• Adjust the table height: Ensure the table height is appropriate for your child’s seating position.
• Monitor posture regularly: Gently guide your child into the correct posture if needed.

By prioritizing the 90-90-90 rule, you can create a safer, more comfortable, and ultimately more enjoyable mealtime experience for your child. This simple approach can significantly contribute to their healthy development and positive eating habits.