Moving from bottles to sippy cups is a big milestone for both parents and children. While it may seem like this transition should be a natural one, it often isn’t. Here are some signs your child is ready for a sippy cup.
Cognitive Readiness
This is one of the most evident signs your child is ready for a sippy cup. Around this time, children are learning about cause and effect, which can be applied to how they drink from bottles or cups. As their understanding increases, you’ll notice them becoming more interested in drinking from cups. They may also start to imitate you and other family members when they see you drinking from cups.
Physical Readiness
A few physical readiness signs indicate that your child is ready for a sippy cup. One indication is that they can sit up unsupported. This milestone usually happens when a child is between six and nine months old. When a child can sit up on their own, it becomes easier for them to drink from a cup. Another sign is that they can control their neck and head movements. This usually happens around four or five months and allows children to keep liquids in their mouths while drinking.
Emotional Readiness
At about nine months old, babies may begin to refuse a bottle. This is one of the signs your child is ready for a sippy cup and that they’re tired of being fed by someone else. They have also probably figured out how to eat solid foods on their own by this time, so learning how to drink from a cup will be another independent milestone.
Weaning Your Baby Off the Bottle
Once you’ve determined that your child is ready for a sippy cup and is ready to start the transition away from bottles, it’s time to start weaning them off the bottle. First, make sure they have mastered drinking from a cup before completely abandoning bottles. Don’t try forcing them to drink out of cups. Introduce cups slowly and regularly. Offer both choices and let them choose which one they want to drink out of. Include the whole family in this new endeavor by drinking from cups as well so your child can imitate you.
If the transition gets rocky at any time, go back to bottles for a bit longer before trying again. Forcing your child to drink from a cup when they don’t want to will only make things harder and more stressful for you both. Once they start making progress with cups, gradually replace bottles so they can get used to drinking from a cup full time.
Final Thoughts
When switching from bottles to sippy cups, going slowly is essential. Start by giving your child water in their new cup and gradually introduce milk or juice. This will help them get used to the new drinking method and avoid tummy troubles. And don’t forget to celebrate this milestone with lots of hugs and kisses!
