Just as you were finally mastering the art of breastfeeding, your baby is beginning to show signs of wanting to drink on their own. The baby sippy cup is the first step down that road.
There are hundreds of varieties available, and we’ve highlighted some of the most popular options below.
Made with durable plastic or silicone with a sealable lid and a narrow spout, these are like training wheels for a thirsty baby. They ease their eventual transition to the regular cups used by adults.
Some baby sippy cups have handles, while others feature textured grip patterns. For your baby’s first sippy cup, choose a soft mouthpiece that’ll be gentle on their teeth and gums as they develop better cup-to-mouth coordination.
This type requires more dexterity and effort, but they’re great for strengthening your baby’s mouth and jaw. Tooth damage also becomes less likely, and research shows it may even aid in speech development. Baby sippy cups with straws are a smart choice for infants who are nine months and older.
Breastfed children may take longer to transition to a baby sippy cup than bottle-fed children. The best sippy cup for a breastfed baby has a spout which closely mimics the nipple. If you purchase a customizable model with multiple spouts or lids, you can gradually introduce a narrower or firmer mouthpiece, before replacing with a straw.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach in this case, there are a few things you can try.
Baby sippy cups not only allow them to explore their independence and improve their motor skills, but they also give you a break from breastfeeding. It’s especially handy during the weaning process, or if you’re taking cold medication or antibiotics.
It’s safe to start presenting sippy cups to your baby at roughly six months of age, as long as they’re:
Since baby sippy cups are meant to be a transitional tool, try switching to regular cups after a few months of successful sippy cup usage.
Breast milk or formula are the ideal drinks to offer your baby in a sippy cup early on. The amount of water they need, however, will depend on the foods they’re eating, so speak with your pediatrician first.
Note that you should never give an infant younger than six months of age any water or juice. Water fills them up, and juice contains empty calories and excess sugar which may cause diarrhea. Between 9 and 12 months, your baby will require no more than two to four ounces of water per day if they’re still on breast milk or formula.
After the first year, as your baby eats more solids and becomes more active, they can drink up to 16 ounces of water per day. But don’t let your child drink too much during mealtime so that they’ll still have room for food.
Follow the simple steps below for teaching your baby how to use sippy cups.
It’s important to note that a baby sippy cup is not a bottle and it’s not a soother. It’s meant to be used only when your baby is thirsty and needs to learn how to drink on their own.
Although it might make your life a lot easier, using a sippy cup sometimes creates its own set of problems. As your baby gains independence, you’ll still need to monitor them to ensure their safety. To reduce the chances of illness or injury from a sippy cup, take the proper precautions.
Your baby’s sippy cup should really only be filled with breast milk, formula, or water. If you’re going to offer juice, dilute it with water to minimize their consumption of added sugars.
Drinking from a sippy cup is a major milestone in your baby’s development. Some children learn quickly, while others take a bit longer. Be patient, and don’t be afraid to try new products before settling on the right one for your baby. Check out Flo for more great tips on raising a baby.
