Feeding
Introducing Cup & Straw Drinking
AAP recommends introducing open cup around 6 months with solid foods. Straw cups can be introduced around 9 months. Transition from bottle to cup by 12-15 months (bottles after 12 months linked to tooth decay, overeating).
Cup types: Open cup (best for development), straw cup (easier transition, good for motor skills), 360/sippy cup (less messy but may delay speech development if used long-term).
Learning cups is messy! Part of development. Expect spills - totally normal.
What to Do
- Start with open cup at 6 months - put tiny amount of water or breast milk
- You hold cup and tip to baby's lips - they'll learn to sip
- Expect spills and dribbles - it's practice! Use small amounts to minimize mess
- Offer cup at mealtimes in high chair when starting solids
- Try straw cup around 9 months - teaches different sucking pattern than bottle
- To teach straw: Put straw in liquid, cover top with finger, lift straw with liquid trapped, place in baby's mouth and release finger
- Avoid sippy cups with hard spouts long-term - can affect teeth alignment and speech
- By 12 months: Offer all milk/formula in cup, phase out bottles
- Make bottles less appealing: Only offer in one boring location, not as comfort
- Make cups exciting: Let baby choose colorful cups, use special cup just for them
- Cold turkey method: Replace all bottles with cups at once (usually works best)
- DO NOT put juice in cups/bottles - water or milk only for babies under 12 months
When to call a doctor
No emergency concerns. Mention to doctor if baby doesn't show interest in cup by 12 months or is very attached to bottle at 15+ months (may need weaning support).