Your baby is growing up fast! Your little one is now lively and full of giggles, throwing toys, and grabbing anything within reach.
It’s time to bid farewell to the bottle and introduce the good old sippy cup – a superb invention that makes them feel that little bit older and helps them get to grips with independent drinking. But glance at the market, and there are countless different types of sippy cups. Question is, how do you decide which is the best sippy cup for weaning? Never fear. Here’s our guide to finding the best cup for weaning…
When should you wean from bottle to sippy cup?
Whether your baby is breastfeed, bottle-fed or a combination of the two, you can introduce a weaning cup anytime from 6 to 12 months – as long as they can sit up and hold their head independently. In fact, the NHS recommends that all drinks should be served in a cup from one year. And an absolute no no? Drinking sugary drinks from a bottle – according to dentists, is one of the most common causes of tooth decay in young kids.
When is the best time to try a new sippy cup for weaning?
There is no absolute ‘best time’ for trying a new sippy cup, but we recommend avoiding it when they’re tired or poorly. For many babies, their bottle is a much-adored source of comfort, so, just like us adults, if you want them to try a new thing, then it’s definitely best to try it when they’re in a good mood! Also try handing them their new cup when they’re sitting in the highchair happily poking around with their breakfast or toying with their lunch.
Shall I give them water straight away?
Instead of offering plain tap water right away, try diluting it with a little breastmilk or formula to see how they take to it. They might not be keen at first, but they could also get the hang of it quickly. Gradually transitioning to plain water over the next few days can make the change easier. Since they’re used to warm, sweet milk, the taste of cold, plain water might be a surprising adjustment for their tiny taste buds.
Should I continue with the bottles?
Gradually hide away the bottles and make a big deal about their colourful new cups. Out of sight, really can be out of mind with little ones if you inject a bit of imagination into it. Perhaps the bottle fairy will be whisking them away for good and bringing with them a hoard of shiny new cups for big kids. It’s so important to be patient with transitions such as this, giving them extra hugs and affection. Every baby is different and will do things in their own time.
How can we help baby use an open cup?
ly, only add a small amount of water or milk to their new open cup and drink yourself from one so they can try and imitate you. Keep trying at every mealtime and go at their own pace. If you force anything, it’ll only put them off.
What is the best sippy cup for weaning from a bottle?
Now that’s a tricky one to answer and there are so many different types. Here at Munchkin, we have developed a range of infant trainer cups to help your little one transition from bottles to cups (and make your life easier in the process).
Gentle Transition Trainer Cup 4m+:
Ideal for tiny new teeth, this trainer cup has been designed with a soft, bite-proof spout and comes with handles for little ones to cling onto. Suitable for babies aged 4m+
Miracle® 360° Trainer Cup 6m+:
Fitted with handles, this leak-proof trainer cup is an ideal starter cup with a spoutless sipping edge that’s been recommended by dentists. Which basically means little ones can sup from any side of the cup, but there won’t be any spillages. Suitable for babies aged 6m+
If your little one prefers a straw, go for this no-spill, soft-on-gums cup with a flip lid. Suitable for babies aged 6m+
Munchkin’s Silicone Baby Cups come with a soft silicone edge that is gentle on gums and teeth and is perfect when you’re transitioning from bottle to cup. Available in Mint & Coral. Suitable for babies aged 6m+.
With the right sippy tip and some tips on how to transition from the bottle, they’ll be a big boy or girl in no time. Interested in more baby and toddler advice? Simply head to our blog or check out our StrollerCoaster podcast.
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