How to Teach a Child to Drink From a Straw

You can teach a child to drink from a straw at 13 months and most children have mastered straw use by 24 months. However, some children have difficulty learning this skill and need a little help.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Cup containing liquid
• Straw

1. Place the straw into the cup containing the liquid.
2. Cover the top of the straw with the tip of your finger. This should keep the liquid in the straw when you pull it out of the cup.
3. Hold the straw at a slight upward angle from the child's mouth and then place it on his lips. Keep the straw at a slightly vertical angle.
4. Release your finger from the top of the straw as the child closes his lips around it, allowing the liquid to flow into his mouth.
5. Repeat the process again. If your child was successful with the first attempt, lower the straw until it is horizontal to his lips and follow the prior steps. If he is successful with the straw at a horizontal level, lower it to just slightly below his lip and repeat the prior steps.
6. Put the straw back into the cup, place the straw on his lips and tell him to take a sip. Your child should now be ready to drink from a straw.

Tips & Warnings

• It is easier to teach your child to drink from a straw if you use short, wide straws rather than straws that are thin, long or curly.