Are you unsure about how to teach your baby to drink from a cup? As a parent, there are many things you are expected to teach your baby in their first year of life. One important skill to teach them is how to drink from a cup. Here are tips to help make this a smooth introduction!
When Should I Introduce a Cup?
Once babies start eating solids, you can introduce them to cup drinking with small amounts of water. Many babies begin trying solid foods around 6 months old (make sure they show all the signs of readiness). At that time, you can begin exposing your baby to a cup.
What Kind of Cup Should I Start With?
You can start with an open cup or a straw cup. If you want to start with a straw cup, a honey bear cup is a great option! Whether you choose an open cup or a straw cup, make sure that it is small enough for the baby to hold.
How Should I Introduce a Cup?
You can begin to introduce a cup simply by placing an empty cup on your baby’s high chair tray at mealtime. Allow the baby to explore the cup without any liquid in it. Once you are ready to trial liquids, you can add a small amount of water to the cup. Assist your baby with the cup as needed. Modeling cup drinking is also a great way to expose your baby to this new skill. Additionally, it is important to note that babies do not need to intake water at this age; therefore, the amount offered should be small.
How Will This Help My Baby Transition Away From a Bottle?
Exposing your baby to cup drinking early will help set them up for success when it is time to wean from a bottle, which is recommended around 12 months.
Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center Can Help the Transition From Bottle To Cup
If your baby is struggling with cup drinking or transitioning from a bottle to a cup, ETLC is here to help! Please contact us for a free screening or an evaluation.
info@enrichmenttherapies.com
740 Community Drive, Unit A
North Liberty, IA 52317
319-626-2553
infodm@enrichmenttherapies.com
5530 West Pkwy, Suite 300
Johnston, IA 50131
515-419-4270
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