TIME FOR A CUP?

Introducing a sippy cup is just another step your growing child is making towards independence. Follow these easy steps to success

SIPPY CUPS COME in all shapes, sizes and designs, so choosing one is really much of a personal thing – and largely depends on your baby’s preference. There are choices between soft and hard spouts, non-drip, non-leak, weighted bottoms, two handles, one handle, removable handles – the list is endless.

A non-drip cup with easy grip handles is a good option to start with, but in terms of shape, size and feel of the spout, you’ll most likely be at the mercy of your little one.

INTRODUCING A CUP

Babies can be weaned onto a sippy cup from six months, but some mothers only feel comfortable introducing the cup when the baby is able to sit and hold it on their own, which would be from about eight months. Remember that this is a totally new experience for your baby, and she will be exploring new textures, so it will take a little time and patience.

Put just a little liquid in the cup to start with – until your baby gets used to the new texture of the cup and the new method of drinking. To encourage your baby to drink from the cup, try giving her a taste she’s already familiar with, so you’re not introducing her to too many new experiences at once.

WHAT TO GIVE

✓ Water is the best choice of all

✓ Baby’s milk feed

✓ Cow’s milk (only after one year of age)

✓ Very diluted apple or grape juice for older tots. Mix the juice at least one part juice to ten parts water, as it’s best your toddler does not acquire a taste for very sweet liquids, and she doesn’t need all the extra sugar these drinks contain.

WHAT NOT TO GIVE

✘ Fizzy drinks, such as Coke

✘ Diet drinks such as Coke Light, Diet Sprite, Coke Zero, Tab or anything similar

✘ Flavoured water or ice tea ✘ Undiluted juice

✘ Energade or other energy drinks

✘ Drinks with high sugar content or highly coloured drinks

Offer your child water before you offer anything else. It’s important that your child acquires a taste for it.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

✓ Remember that this is a completely new experience for your child, and she’ll need time to get used to drinking from a cup instead of a bottle. Don’t force the issue. If she isn’t ready, drop it and try again a week or two later.

✓ Start outdoors, as it makes it easy to clean up any spills when your child first starts drinking from a cup. It’s also a good idea to first introduce the cup in the summer, so that if there are any spills, your little one doesn’t get cold.

✓ Allow your toddler small sips at first, and wait until she has swallowed before giving another sip.

✓ Make sure your child is always sitting or standing upright when drinking to avoid choking.

✓ Make it fun by inventing a game or a song about drinking from a cup, and sing it with your child.