Maroon Spoon: A Guide to This Oral Motor Therapy Feeding Tool

Maroon Spoon: Oral Motor Therapy Feeding Tool

The maroon spoon is a flat, shallow-bowled feeding utensil used in oral motor therapy to help place small, controlled amounts of food in the mouth. It is commonly used by feeding therapists to support children who are developing or relearning safe chewing, swallowing, and lip-closure skills.

Introduction

Feeding is a complex skill that involves coordinated movement of the lips, tongue, jaw, and throat. Some children find this coordination difficult because of developmental delay, low muscle tone, prematurity, or other medical conditions. A maroon spoon is one of several simple tools used to make feeding practice safer and more structured for these children.

Unlike a standard spoon, its flat and shallow bowl limits the amount of food delivered at one time. This reduces the chance of a large bolus (a rounded mass of chewed or unchewed food) entering the mouth before the child is ready, which can lower the risk of gagging, coughing, or spillage during practice.

The device itself is non-invasive. It does not use electricity, batteries, radiation, or any mechanism that enters body tissue. It functions much like an ordinary spoon, with a design shaped specifically to support therapy goals rather than to deliver a large meal quickly.

History of the Device

Specialized feeding utensils for therapy purposes developed alongside the broader field of pediatric feeding and swallowing therapy in the second half of the twentieth century. As speech-language pathology and occupational therapy expanded their focus to include feeding and swallowing (sometimes called dysphagia therapy), clinicians began adapting everyday utensils to better suit therapy goals.

Early feeding therapy often relied on regular household spoons, which were not designed with oral motor goals in mind. Therapists and equipment designers recognized that bowl depth, spoon width, and handle shape all influenced how much control a child had over food placement and swallowing pace.

This led to a family of purpose-built therapy spoons with shallow, flat bowls, narrow profiles, and sometimes textured surfaces. The maroon-colored version became a widely recognized example within this category, commonly stocked in pediatric feeding therapy clinics alongside other colored variants that may differ slightly in bowl depth or texture.

Today, such spoons are manufactured from food-grade, non-toxic materials and are considered a standard part of many feeding therapy toolkits used in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and early intervention programs worldwide.

Purpose of the Device and Where It Is Used

The main purpose of the maroon spoon is to support **controlled food placement** during oral motor therapy sessions. It helps a therapist or caregiver place a small, measured amount of food on a specific part of the tongue or between the lips, encouraging the child to use lip closure, tongue movement, and controlled swallowing rather than relying on a large bolus delivered quickly.

Practicing lip closure around the spoon bowl
Encouraging tongue lateralization (side-to-side tongue movement) for chewing practice
Introducing new food textures in small, manageable amounts
Reducing bolus size for children who gag or choke easily
Supporting transition from tube feeding to oral feeding under professional guidance
Building general feeding confidence in children with sensory sensitivities around food

These spoons are typically found in pediatric feeding therapy clinics, hospital speech-language pathology and occupational therapy departments, early intervention centers, and sometimes in the home once a caregiver has been trained by a professional.

Key Point: The maroon spoon is a feeding and therapy support tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It does not identify the cause of a feeding difficulty; it is used alongside professional assessment and a structured therapy plan.

Different Types of the Device

Smooth-Bowl Version

This version has a flat, shallow bowl with a smooth surface. It is often used for children who are just beginning spoon-feeding practice or who have high sensitivity to texture on the tongue.

Textured-Bowl Version

This version has small raised bumps or ridges on the bowl surface. The added texture can provide extra sensory input to the lips and tongue, which may help some children with low oral awareness respond more actively during feeding.

Long-Handle Version

Designed with an extended handle, this version gives the person feeding the child more distance and control, which can be useful during early sessions or with children who have limited head or trunk control.

Angled or Curved-Handle Version

Some versions include a slight bend in the handle to allow easier positioning at different mouth angles, particularly useful for children who are working on self-feeding with adaptive grip support.

Type	Bowl Surface	Typical Age Range	Common Setting
Smooth-bowl	Smooth, flat	Infants to early childhood	Clinic, home practice
Textured-bowl	Small raised bumps	Early to mid-childhood	Feeding therapy clinic
Long-handle	Smooth or textured	Infants, low trunk control	Clinic, hospital bedside
Angled-handle	Smooth or textured	Toddlers to school-age	Self-feeding practice, home

Parts and Components of the Device

Bowl

The flat, shallow section that holds a small amount of food. Its reduced depth is the defining feature that separates it from a standard spoon.

Handle

The part held by the therapist, caregiver, or child. Handle length and shape vary by version and are chosen based on the child's needs and the goals of the session.

Neck (Connecting Section)

The narrower area joining the bowl to the handle. Its angle can influence how the spoon reaches different areas of the mouth.

Surface Coating

Many versions have a smooth, food-grade coating over the bowl. This coating is chosen to be gentle against the lips and gums and easy to clean between uses.

Component	Function	Replacement Interval
Bowl	Holds and delivers controlled food amount	Replace if cracked, discolored, or worn
Handle	Provides grip and control during feeding	Replace with full spoon unit; not sold separately
Neck	Connects bowl to handle, affects reach angle	Replace with full spoon unit
Surface coating	Provides smooth, safe contact surface	Replace spoon once coating shows wear or peeling

How the Device Works

The maroon spoon works through its shape rather than any mechanical or electronic function. Because the bowl is flat and shallow, only a small amount of food can sit on it at one time. When the spoon touches the lips, the child is encouraged to close the lips around the bowl and use the tongue to remove the food, rather than having a large amount poured directly into the mouth.

This controlled delivery gives the child more time to organize the movements needed for chewing and swallowing. Over repeated practice, this can help build the coordination needed for safer, more independent eating with regular utensils.

Step-by-Step User Guide

Prepare the food and spoon. Choose a food texture appropriate for the child's current therapy goals, and place a very small amount on the spoon bowl.
Position the child. Seat the child upright with good head and trunk support before beginning.
Bring the spoon to the lips. Touch the spoon gently to the center of the lower lip rather than placing it directly on the tongue.
Wait for lip closure. Allow the child time to close the lips around the spoon before removing it, rather than scraping food off on the upper lip or teeth.
Remove the spoon slowly. Withdraw the spoon in a level, straight motion once the lips have closed.
Observe the swallow. Watch for signs of chewing, swallowing, coughing, or discomfort before offering the next spoonful.
Repeat gradually. Continue with small, paced amounts, following the child's cues for readiness between each one.

Note: Sessions should follow the guidance of a trained feeding therapist. Manufacturer instructions for cleaning and safe use should always be followed, and the pace of feeding should match the child's cooperation and comfort level.

Precautions and Possible Dangers

Should not be used to force-feed a child who is showing clear refusal or distress
Not intended for children with a diagnosed swallowing disorder unless specifically approved by a qualified professional
Food temperature should always be checked before offering it to the child
Should be inspected before each use for cracks, sharp edges, or loose coating
Not a substitute for supervision during any feeding session
May not be appropriate for children with certain oral structural differences without professional adaptation

Warning: If a child shows signs of choking, persistent coughing, blue-tinged lips or skin, or difficulty breathing during a feeding session, stop immediately and seek emergency medical help.

How to Keep the Device Safe and Well Maintained

Wash with warm water and mild soap after every use, or follow manufacturer cleaning instructions
Air-dry completely before storing to prevent residue buildup
Store in a clean, dry container away from dust and pests
Check regularly for cracks, discoloration, or surface wear
Replace promptly if any damage is noticed
Follow any manufacturer guidance on dishwasher or sterilizer compatibility
Keep a spare spoon available in case of loss or damage during a therapy program

Interactive Tool: Feeding Session Readiness Checklist

Is the child calm and alert? Is the child seated upright with support? Has the spoon been checked for cracks or damage? Has the food temperature been checked?

This checklist is a general guide only and does not replace the assessment or instructions of a qualified feeding therapist or healthcare professional.

Interactive FAQ

Is the maroon spoon safe for babies and young children?

Yes, when used correctly and under appropriate guidance. It is made from smooth, food-grade material with no sharp edges, and its shallow bowl reduces the amount of food placed in the mouth at one time, which can lower the risk of gagging or overload in children with feeding difficulties.

How long does a typical oral motor therapy session with this spoon last?

Sessions usually last between fifteen and thirty minutes, though this varies with the child's age, endurance, and therapy goals. Some sessions may be shorter for very young or easily fatigued children.

What are the different types or versions of the maroon spoon?

Versions differ mainly in handle length, bowl depth, and surface texture. Some have smooth bowls for simple placement tasks, while others have small textured bumps to provide extra sensory input to the tongue and lips.

Does using the maroon spoon involve radiation or any invasive procedure?

No. It is a non-invasive feeding utensil with no radiation, needles, or instruments that enter tissue. It only touches the lips, tongue, and inside of the mouth in the same way an ordinary spoon would.

Can the maroon spoon diagnose a feeding or swallowing disorder?

No. It is a therapy and feeding tool, not a diagnostic device. It cannot identify the cause of a feeding difficulty. A trained professional uses clinical assessment, and sometimes imaging studies, to reach a diagnosis.

What does a child feel when this spoon is used?

The child typically feels a smooth or lightly textured surface touching the lips and the front of the tongue. The flat, shallow bowl means less pressure and a smaller amount of food enters the mouth compared with a deep spoon.

How is the maroon spoon different from an ordinary spoon?

An ordinary spoon usually has a deeper, rounder bowl meant to deliver a full portion quickly. The maroon spoon has a flatter, shallower bowl designed to control the amount and placement of food, which supports lip closure and tongue movement practice.

Who typically uses this spoon during therapy?

Speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and feeding specialists commonly use it during sessions. Caregivers may also use it at home once they have been shown the correct technique by a professional.

How accurate or effective is it compared with other feeding tools?

Effectiveness depends on consistent, correctly guided use rather than a measurable accuracy value, since it is not a diagnostic or measuring device. Many feeding therapy programs report it as a useful tool for structured practice, though outcomes vary by child.

Can it be used in special cases such as children with limited mouth opening or oral sensitivity?

It may be adapted for such cases with professional guidance, for example by using very small amounts of food or choosing a smoother-surfaced version for children with high oral sensitivity. Some children with structural airway or feeding conditions may need a different approach altogether.

How often is the spoon replaced or how often is it used in therapy?

Use frequency depends on the therapy plan and may range from daily home practice to a few sessions each week. The spoon itself is usually replaced when it shows cracks, discoloration, or wear, or as advised by the manufacturer.

What happens if the child is uncooperative or anxious during use?

The session is usually paused or shortened, and the therapist or caregiver may use calming strategies before trying again. Forcing the spoon into an unwilling child's mouth is avoided, since this can increase resistance to feeding over time.

Other Methods and Alternatives

Method	Basic Principle	Common Use
Maroon spoon	Flat, shallow bowl for controlled bolus placement	Oral motor therapy, feeding skill practice
Standard training spoon	Slightly deeper bowl, general-purpose feeding	Everyday self-feeding practice
Nuk brush or oral stimulation tool	Textured surface for sensory stimulation without food	Pre-feeding oral desensitization
Cut-out or notched cup	Cup design allowing controlled sip without head tilt	Liquid intake practice
Syringe or dropper feeding	Slow, measured delivery of small liquid amounts	Early or medically supervised feeding introduction

Frequently Overlooked Points Worth Knowing

Bowl depth matters as much as bowl size; two spoons of similar size can behave very differently in therapy depending on depth
Progress in feeding therapy is usually tracked over many sessions, not judged from a single feeding attempt
The color itself has no clinical function; it mainly helps identify the spoon type within a therapy toolkit
Texture preference can vary widely between children, and what works well for one child may not suit another
Consistency in technique between different caregivers can be as important as the tool itself

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

Simple, non-invasive design with no electrical or mechanical parts
Helps control bolus size, which may reduce gagging or spillage
Can support lip closure and tongue movement practice
Low cost and easy to clean compared with more complex feeding equipment
Available in multiple bowl textures to suit different sensory needs

Limitations

Does not diagnose or treat any underlying medical or developmental condition
Effectiveness depends heavily on correct technique and consistent practice
Not appropriate for every feeding difficulty without professional evaluation first
Limited to oral feeding practice; does not address non-oral feeding needs

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Problem	Possible Cause	Suggested Solution
Child refuses to open the mouth	Anxiety, sensory sensitivity, or fatigue	Pause the session, try again later, and consult the therapy team about pacing
Food falls off the spoon before reaching the lips	Food texture too thin or too much placed on the bowl	Use a thicker consistency or a smaller amount as advised by the therapist
Spoon surface appears cracked or discolored	Normal wear or improper cleaning method	Replace the spoon and review cleaning instructions
Child gags frequently during use	Bolus size still too large, or spoon placed too far back	Reduce amount, adjust placement, and inform the treating professional

When to Contact the Manufacturer or Service Provider

The spoon shows unexpected cracking, peeling, or discoloration soon after purchase
There are questions about material safety certifications or product recalls
Replacement parts or matching versions are needed for a therapy program
The product does not match its stated specifications or description

Tip: Keep the product packaging, batch number, and purchase receipt in a safe place. These details are often required when contacting a manufacturer about a warranty or safety concern.

Checked and reviewed by a pediatrician

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