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Women Infants and Children (WIC) is a government-funded program that helps to ensure the health and development of pregnant women and their infant children. According to its guidelines, a child of normal developmental stages should begin to drink from a sippy cup at 6 months old.
WIC monitors the baby on a monthly basis to ensure proper development. If the child has attained the coordination and mental activity of a normal 6-month-old, it will advise the mother to begin using a sippy cup when feeding the child. -
Sippy cups come in a wide range of types and prices. Some begin at $1 for a hard plastic cup. A good-quality cup by a name brand manufacturer of baby items can cost close to $10. The portion, or sippy part, the baby places in his mouth, should be considered as well.
A good-quality sippy cup should have a soft, pliable mouthpiece on it. Six-month-old children are beginning to get teeth. They will be more willing to use the softer tipped cup than to place the harder plastic on their tender gums. The child is also more familiar with the softer tip, as she will relate it to her bottle and know what to do with the sippy cup.
Children of this age are also just learning to hold their bottle. The child will naturally reach with both hands toward the sides of the sippy cup. Purchase a sippy cup that has handle grips on each side that is easy for the baby to grab. -
It is best to introduce the cup to the child when feeding the baby food at mealtime. The baby should be in an upright position such as in a high chair. Never allow the baby to use a sippy cup lying down, as the liquid may come out of the sippy cup faster than the baby is used to. This could cause the baby to choke and make him fearful of the cup.
Place a small amount of liquid into the cup. It can be the baby's formula or you may choose to introduce juice only in the sippy cup. Show the baby how to grasp the handles. She will immediately attempt to get the sippy cup to her mouth. Raise the cup slightly so the baby gets a small amount of liquid. Let the baby help as much as possible, until she figures out the process. -
When introducing the sippy cup for the first time, you will have to be patient. The child will undoubtedly make a mess. Liquid will run down the chin and all over clothes. Remember the baby is learning to wean himself from a bottle.
The child may also become frustrated and cry when she is unable to raise the cup high enough to get a drink. Soothe the baby and help her raise the cup, then let her attempt it again. Stay by the baby's side when she has the sippy cup. Liquid will come out of the sippy faster than the baby bottle nipples the child is used to.
Don't panic if the baby chokes a slight bit. Just stay close to observe for the baby's safety. Stay calm while the baby is learning to maneuver the cup and the child will have a much easier transfer to the sippy cup.
Teaching your child to hold his own bottle and helping him with his coordination is the first step in moving toward the sippy cup. If the child has accomplished holding his bottle and raising it to continue feeding, he is ready to try the sippy cup. The 6-month stage is merely a guideline. -
Introducing the sippy cup does not mean it is time to take away the bottle. Children view their bottle as a source of comfort. Bottles are calming and soothing to the baby at naptime and bedtime. Use the sippy cup for mealtime and snacks. The child will quickly adapt and associate the sippy cup as something good.
When it is time to give up the bottle, the child will already be attached to her sippy cup, thus making the transition to only using a sippy cup much easier for both you and the child.
