When should a toddler drink from an open cup? And other cup drinking milestones
Elizabeth Mays, CCC-SLP
As your little one continues to grow and develop, mastering new skills is an exciting journey for both of you. One significant milestone that marks their transition from infancy to toddlerhood is learning to drink from a cup. So when should a toddler drink from an open cup? Many parents believe their child should transition from bottle/breast to a sippy cup. The use of a sippy cup is not actually a developmental milestone. In this blog post, we will explore the different cup drinking milestones and provide practical tips for parents to support their child's progress.
Introducing an Open Cup:
Around 6 months, your baby will be ready to start practicing using an open cup. Small cups, the size of a shot glass, are ideal for beginners. At this stage, the parent should hold the cup and offer sips of water in a controlled setting (e.g., in a high chair or while baby is on your lap). You can encourage your child to hold the cup and experiment with sipping, even if they only manage a few drops at first. Cups with handles may be helpful here. Do not worry too much about a mess, as we should be using tiny amounts of water. Remember to be patient and allow them to explore at their own pace.
Transitioning to Straws:
Between 9 and 12 months, you can introduce a straw cup. This milestone promotes oral motor development and mature swallow patterns. Initially, your child may struggle with the sucking motion required for straws. Show them how to use it by demonstrating yourself or using an age-appropriate straw training cup, where you can squeeze the water up to the top of the straw for them. Gradually, they will learn to control their sucking reflex and drink independently.
Continuing Use of Open Cups:
Around 12 to 18 months, you want to keep refining the child’s skills when using open cups. time to introduce open cups. Continue with small, lightweight cups that are easy for your child to hold. They may continue to spill or struggle to drink without assistance, but the key is to increase independence. Encourage them to take small sips and offer praise for their efforts. Over time, they will develop the hand-eye coordination and control necessary to drink efficiently.
Refining Sip and Swallow Skills:
Between 18 and 24 months, your child will refine their sip and swallow skills. They will begin to take larger sips and improve their ability to swallow without choking or spilling. Continue to offer frequent opportunities for practice during meal times and throughout the day. Reinforce positive behaviors and provide gentle guidance if needed.
Proficiency with Open Cups:
Around 2 to 3 years, your child should be able to drink from a regular cup without spilling excessively. At this stage, they have developed the necessary oral motor skills, coordination, and control. Encourage them to use regular cups during meals and gradually phase out the need for straw cups or other training cups in controlled settings (e.g., mealtimes). Use of a straw cup/water bottle is great for use in the community.
Tips for Parents:
- Offer an age and skill appropriate cup.
- Be patient and supportive. Every child progresses at their own pace, so avoid rushing the process.
- Make drinking from a cup a positive and enjoyable experience.
- Allow your child to practice and explore independently, but be there to assist and offer guidance when needed.
- Stay consistent
The journey from bottle or breastfeeding to cup drinking is an important developmental milestone for your child. By introducing cups gradually and providing support and encouragement along the way, you can help them develop the necessary skills for independent drinking. Remember to embrace the mess, celebrate their progress, and enjoy this wonderful stage of your child's growth. Cheers to your little one's cup drinking success!
Some of our favorite cups are linked below:
Open cups for Babies:
Ezpz Tiny Cup or Mini Cup
Plastic/silicone shot glasses
Lalo Little Cup (without lid and straw)
Nosey Cups
Straw Cups for Learning:
Honey Bear Straw Cup
Lalo Little Cup
Straw Cups for Proficient Straw Users:
Take and Toss Straw Cups
GROSMIMI spill proof straw cup (expensive)
Munchkin Click Lock Straw Cups
Open Cups for Proficient Cup Drinkers:
Ikea Plastic Cups
Munchkin Multi Toddler Cups