Learning to drink from a cup can be messy and fun but it’s all part of growing up. Your child needs to learn to sip, not suck.
When should a child start using a cup?
Introduce a cup at around six months of age.
Using a cup is better for your baby’s teeth. Comfort sucking on a bottle can easily become a habit so it’s best to avoid this. Aim to have your baby no longer drinking from a feeding bottle by their first birthday.
What is the best kind of cup for my child?
If the cup has a lid, make sure the water can drip out when turned upside down, this is known as a free-flow cup. Using a free-flowing spouted cup is the first stage of your baby’s progress to an open cup.
Valve cups (non-spill types) are not recommended. The sucking motion can lead to speech problems.
Water is the best drink between meals for thirsty babies and toddlers
When to give drinks
Never give your baby sugary drinks last thing at night or during the night if they wake. Other danger times for sweet drinks are between meals, in the buggy or car seat, or as a comforter.
The drip-feed effect means that teeth are continually under acid attack.
Don’t let your baby fall asleep with a feeding bottle, or leave your child alone with a cup or bottle as there is a risk of choking.