Often this question troubles parents when the child slowly starts growing up. When can a cup be used to feed water or milk to the child, what can the child do with the cup, or how can the child get into the habit of drinking from the cup? The answers to all these questions are hidden in this article. Let us know:
Try to start practicing with an open cup between 6 and 12 months – many babies are able to drink from a sippy cup at around 6 to 9 months, and by the time your baby is 12 months, He probably gives up the bottle and breast milk.
The child learns new skills and activities as he grows. He also begins to practice another activity: drinking from a cup without a lid. Switching from a bottle to a cup takes time and takes consistent practice.
When is the baby ready for a cup?
Around the first birthday, the child should learn to drink from an open cup. It may take a lot of time for the child to learn this, be patient and keep trying.
If your baby is learning to eat solid foods, it’s okay to practice drinking from a cup. Teaching him to sip from a cup makes it easier to give up the breast or bottle, plus it helps him develop important motor skills and coordination.
What can a child drink from a cup?
Whether from a cup or a bottle, your baby needs breast or formula milk to drink. It is also okay to give the baby a few sips of water, but it cannot replace breastfeeding and formula feed.
When can your child drink juice?
In fact, your child does not need juice or other sugary drinks. In fact, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “juice is not recommended before a child’s first birthday because juice consumption by infants may be harmful in the following ways:
1. Poor nutrition
2. The risk of tooth decay increases
3. Risk of diarrhea, gas, and flatulence increases
4. Consumption of packed juice increases the risk of coming in contact with bacteria
It is better to give the child real fruit juice, which has more nutrients (like fiber) and less sugar.
Why not use sippy cups?
Many parents prefer to use a sippy cup to protect babies from bottle infections. But the sucking motion of spouted sippy cups is similar to that of a breast or bottle, so it does not help the baby learn new ways of drinking and new motor skills.
If you plan to use a sippy, aim to move up to an open cup around the baby’s first birthday, and choose a spoutless sippy or cup.
Keep some things in mind before giving the cup to the child.
Keep a few things in mind before giving a cup to your child. Try to tell the child in an exciting way that he can now drink water or milk from a cup like you.
1. Milk or water may spread: Try to initially fill a cup with just a few sips of water and give it to the child. Remember, water cannot replace breastfeeding or formula feeding, but a few sips of water during meals is a good practice.
2. When he’s ready, hold the cup close to him and gently guide it to his mouth so he can try a few sips during the meal.
3. Don’t worry if he pushes the cup away. He’s telling you that he’s tired now, so try again later.