Sippy Cups

Are you feeling lost when it comes to selecting a sippy cup for your little one? You’re not alone! We understand the struggle that new parents face! With so many different types of sippy cups available, it’s hard to know where to start. But don’t worry, and we are here to help. Let us answer your questions and guide you toward the best options for your toddler, whether you prefer open or straw cups. Get ready to feel confident and excited about introducing your child to their new sippy cup!

When to Introduce the Sippy Cup

4-6 Months

Introducing your little one to solid foods is an exciting milestone, typically happening between 4-6 months of age. But before diving in, it’s important to have a sippy cup on hand. At this stage, we highly recommend the NUK Learner Cup for its benefits in easing the transition from bottle to cup.

This cup offers a soft spout that makes learning to drink from it feel natural and enjoyable. Plus, taking time to practice with the NUK Learner Cup can help your baby develop the coordination to pick up a cup and bring it to their mouth, a valuable skill for years to come. Trust us. This cup is a great choice for this important stage in your little one’s development.

What’s Next?

6-15 Months

At around six months old, we can start introducing our babies to straw and open cups. This is a great opportunity for them to develop advanced swallowing skills and improve tongue elevation. The use of straw and open cups also helps encourage lip closure. As parents, you can practice these skills with your little one by doing fun activities such as blowing bubbles. Let your baby drink water from your open cup or straw to make it more enjoyable for your baby, as they love mimicking their role models. Ultimately, the goal is to encourage a more mature swallow pattern by transitioning to open and straw cups.

Tell Me More!

Straw Sippy Cups:

Looking for the perfect straw cup? Look no further than the Munchkin Weighted Straw Trainer Sippy Cup!

Introducing your little one to a straw cup can be tricky, but we’ve got you covered. Show them how to use it up close, and let them give it a try.

To make it even easier, try sucking up the contents of the cup to the tip of the straw a few times when you first introduce it. And remember, every baby is different and will hit milestones at their own pace. Just be patient and consistent, and you’ll be on your way to straw cup success!

If you feel like they need more assistance with the straw cup, then you can use the Honey Bear Straw Cup. It is the perfect tool to help your little ones learn how to suck and master lip closure! Instructions for use are simple: begin with a shorter straw and gradually increase the length as your child becomes more proficient. And don’t forget to assist by squeezing the liquid for easier consumption. With this cup, your toddler will be well on their way to mastering this important skill in no time.

Are you tired of struggling to clean your child’s straw cup? Here’s a quick and easy tip to make the process effortless. Fill the cup with hot water, give it a good shake, and watch as the water shoots up and out of the straw to clean it thoroughly. You’ll be amazed at how simple and efficient this method is! Say goodbye to the hassle and hello to a sparkling clean straw cup.

Open Sippy Cups:

Start by placing a cup on their lips and allowing a small amount of liquid into their mouth. After that, pull the cup away from their lips. This technique will teach them how to effectively manage liquids, and they will pick it up quickly.

Babies are often motivated to try sipping because they see adults drinking from open cups frequently. To reduce mess, consider using a small amount of water. But don’t worry. We’ve got you covered! Check out the EZPZ open cup designed specifically for babies. Another great option is the Munchkin 360 cup, which is spill-proof and has handles that make it easy for the baby to hold. On top of that, it is a great option for on-the-go use.

Closing Thoughts on Introducing a Sippy Cup

Teaching your baby how to drink properly can be a fun and exciting experience! However, with so many different cups available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your baby’s needs. Here’s a helpful tip – try a variety of cups, such as a NUK learner cup, straw cup, and open cup, to find the right balance for you and your family.

Remember, it takes time for your baby to get familiar with the different options, so practice, and lots of it are key! Start by offering a straw cup, NUK sippy cup, or open cup at every mealtime, with 2 ounces of formula or breastmilk to help them learn how to drink well. Once they start to get the hang of it, gradually increase the amount to 3-4 ounces.

It’s important to offer formula or breastmilk in the straw cup or NUK cup at least 1-2 times a day to help them transition to a sippy or straw cup with organic whole milk at 12 months old. Additionally, if your baby has a milk protein intolerance or allergy, consult with your pediatrician to determine the best alternative to milk at 12 months old.

Another great way to help your baby drink from a cup is by offering a small amount of water in a sippy or open cup each day. Keep in mind that breastmilk or formula should still be your baby’s primary source of nutrition until they turn 12 months old. So, enjoy the process and celebrate each milestone as your baby learns to drink like a pro!

You’ve Got This!

Introducing a sippy cup to your child can be an exciting and sometimes overwhelming part of the weaning process. You may be feeling unsure about which sippy cup would work best for your family, but hopefully, this post has given you some options to guide you in making the right choice. Remember that consistency is key; it can take a few tries before your child becomes comfortable with their cup.

If you need more information or helpful resources, make sure to check out our Knowledge Center or shop our Moms on Call list of products – we have something for everyone!