Introducing cups

Teaching your baby to drink from a cup is always going to be a messy milestone, so be prepared!

So when’s the right time to start introducing your baby to cups?

Find out more about getting started and types of cups that are available.
 

Introducing cups

 

1. Timing

With lots of support and encouragement, babies are usually ready to start drinking from a cup at around 6-8 months old, although sometimes this may be a little later.

Your baby will be used to breastfeeding or bottle feeding, so initially there may be some reluctance to try a sippy cup. Try not to make a big deal of it and introduce the idea gradually.

Try introducing your baby to a cup at lunch time and dinner time, rather than at breakfast when they're likely to be very hungry.

Keep the evening milk before bed as a breast or bottle feed until they are a little older as it's more comforting than a cup.
 

2. Types of cups available for babies

Shop around when it comes to buying cups as your baby may prefer drinking from some cups over others.

There are lots of sippy cups on the market to choose from in various styles, materials and colours.

It's a really a matter of personal preference and a learning experience for both of you.

Try starting with a slow-flowing sippy cup that limits the flow of liquid from the cup. This will make choking on fluid less likely, which is a common cause of cup rejection.
 

3. Getting started

Kids love to copy, so take a sip from a sippy cup yourself and offer your baby a sip too, or even get a sibling to show what needs to be done.

You could also try dipping the tip of the cup spout into your baby's breast milk or formula and then giving it to them to try. They’ll be used to the taste and less likely to reject it.

Some babies will only take water from a sippy cup, preferring the breast or bottle for breast milk or formula. Don't worry, this is normal, just encourage regular tries of the cup.

When your baby is 12 months and over, a sippy cup is a great way of introducing cow’s milk.
 

4. Moving from a sippy cup to a normal cup

Make a big deal out of drinking from a regular cup, and how it’s for grown ups.

Try taking your toddler shopping to pick out their own big kids cup and perhaps find one with their name on it or with a character they love.

To start with try only serving your toddler’s favourite drinks in an open cup, and save the sippy cup for water.

Don’t stress about the mess as accidents will happen in the beginning!

More kids articles to enjoy:

• Getting toddlers to use cutlery
• Tips for eating out with young kids
• Ideas for healthy drinks

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