Introducing Cups to Babies

There are many types of baby and toddler cups to choose from, and it can be difficult to know which cup to choose. Health Canada and the Canadian Pediatric Society both recommend offering an open cup at about six months when complementary foods are introduced.  

Open Cups
The advantage of offering an open cup to a baby is that drinking from a cup teaches a new and important life-long skill. Babies learn to sip and swallow small amounts of liquid instead of drinking over longer periods of time. When drinks except water stay in baby’s mouth (in contact with their gums and teeth), the risk of tooth decay increases. A small cup that’s easy for baby hands to hold is preferable.  You can use any small cup such as a small yogurt cup or baby cup with the lid removed. 

Straw Cups
Feeding specialists recommend both open cups and straw cups for infants six months plus because they promote good oral motor skills. Both types of cups require using various muscles in the mouth, lips and jaw which strengthens muscles needed for eating and speaking. Cups with straws are a more spill-proof option and it’s understandable that they are often preferred over an open cup when away from home. Many options with soft straws are available. Choose one that can easily be cleaned. 

Babies need time to master the skill of drinking from an open or straw cup and will need help at first. You can put a small amount (1-2 ounces or 30-60 mL) of water, expressed breastmilk or infant formula in an open or straw cup. Adults can drink from a similar cup to role model how it’s done and guide the baby in using the cup. 

Cups with Spouts
Traditional “sippy” cups are like bottles and don’t show babies new drinking skills.  Both bottles and “sippy” cups release fluid upon sucking. These cups do not promote more mature drinking skills, and because the flow of liquid is continuous, there is a greater risk of causing cavities unless water is offered exclusively.  

When introducing cups to an infant, be consistent. Offer the open cup or straw cup regularly during meals and snacks. There will be spills, but babies will learn with a lot of practice and a little patience!

Resources: 

https://solidstarts.com/cup-drinking/

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/infant-care/infant-nutrition.html

https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/healthy-living/feeding_your_baby_in_the_first_year

 

 

Submitted by Ginette Blake BASc RD on behalf to the Middlesex-London Community Early Years Partnership