Have you felt overwhelmed about all the choices for toddler cups? You are not alone! So many choices and so much information… So let’s try to sort it all out.
First let’s talk about when to introduce a cup. You can start introducing a cup around the same time you start solids. I usually encourage families to start solids first and then after the child has had some time to become confident in their skills go ahead and start exposing to a cup. Most likely this would be between 6-9 months. Some children start to eat as early as 4 months. Usually within a month you can expect they will be ready for exposure, not independence by any means. It is important not to try too many new things at once. It can be overwhelming for children.
Now how do we introduce a cup? Developmentally using an open face cup is step one. In our effort to reduce spills and allow children to have their cup everywhere, the sippy cup was created. In development we think of an open face cup first and then a straw. We have changed all the expectations with the introduction of other options. That said, children can adapt. Many children are able to use a sippy cup or a straw cup with little to no issue.
We can start to expose children to the open face cup by using a small amount of liquid in a small cup. They will not get it all into their mouths and that is ok. You will be in control of the cup in the beginning. You can allow your child to practice drinking from a cup on their own using fresh water while in the bath or outside. Usually parents feel more comfortable if spills happen at that time.
If you choose a straw cup, my suggestion is to start with a short straw. One that does not have a flow restriction that requires a strong suck to be successful. Many options are available. You can try a honey bear straw cup if your child is struggling to catch onto using a straw. This option helps you control the liquid in the straw to try and teach how to suck. Generally by 9 months a child may be taught to use a straw and they are usually able to teach themselves by 2 (this is developmentally where we consider the skill should be mastered).
If the sippy cup is your choice consider one to start that does not have a flow restriction rather just a hole that they can drink through. The positioning of the mouth required to suck out the liquid can be challenging. Therefore using the spout that is just a small hole is easier. The sippy cup is more like a bottle and therefore can be a little easier to understand since they still have to tip it up to drink. Trial and error for types of spouts may take some time. Patience is the key.
Another choice is the 360 type cups. They look like a regular cup but children must bite them for the liquid to come out. This concept can be very difficult for children to understand. Therefore this may be one choice that is reserved for once they understand the concept of drinking from an open face cup. I have had children that were able to use these cups easily however that is much less common.
The takeaway here is that you will need to try many options to see what works for your child. Some kids gravitate towards what we consider the most difficult choice: the 360 cup others a straw cup. Whatever your child lands on is what you should use. You now have some general guidance around development and what way to go when your child struggles. Exposure and practice are key for skill acquisition. If you follow these concepts you will have success! If your child continues to struggle, reach out to your pediatrician for additional guidance.
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