Sippy cups are training cups that allow your child to drink without spilling. You can get models with or without handles and choose from models with different types of spouts.

Baby sippy cups are a great way for your baby to transition from nursing or bottle feeding to regular cups. And will tell him that fluids can come from other sources than the breast or bottle. They also improve hand-to-mouth coordination. When your baby has the motor skills to handle a cup but not to prevent spills, a sippy cup allows him to be independent without making drinking a mess.

 

When should you introduce a sippy cup ?

When your baby is six months old, introducing a sippy cup can make it easier for her to wean on her first birthday. Some babies naturally lose interest in bottle feeding around 9 to 12 months, which is the ideal time to start weaning your baby.

To prevent tooth decay, the American Dental Association recommends transitioning from a bottle to a baby training cup before your child's first birthday.

 

What's the best way to transition to a sippy cup?

 

Start with a soft, flexible nozzle. 

Non plastic kids cup. Because it will be more familiar to your baby than a hard plastic nozzle. Food grade silicone material is the best choice.

 

Demonstrate drinking action.

Show your child how to sip properly. Once he or she is familiar with the look, feel, and mechanics of a sippy cup, you can start filling it with the small amount of breast milk you pump and show them how to sip. Stimulate the sucking reflex by touching the tip of the nozzle to the top of his mouth, showing him that the nozzle acts like a nipple.

 

Keep it slow and steady. 

Don't worry if your baby doesn't use the sippy cup right away until your baby masters the technique. Try sippy cup feedings instead of once-a-day feedings. By gradually increasing the number of daily baby feedings from the sippy cup, your child will achieve ultimate success in daily persistence training.  

 

Make it fun!

As your baby learns to transition from bottle to toddler sippy cup, you should give your baby more encouragement and rewards. At the same time, actively express their excitement, so that children are motivated and have a greater sense of achievement. Celebrate this new milestone as much as you can - it's a moment you enjoy with your baby!

 

What should you do if your baby refuses a sippy cup?

If your child turns her head away, it's her signal that she's had enough (even if she hasn't had a drink).

Show your baby how it's done. Take a clean straw and let your baby see you drink from it. Or have siblings drink from a straw in front of the baby. Sometimes just a little sucking sound can trigger a baby to start sucking.

If it has been more than one month, or if your child is over 2 years old, consult your child's pediatrician. He or she may help you with the transition or refer you to other specialists who can help you.