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| Plain water? Blegh... |
When should I introduce a sippy cup?
Some babies enjoy a sippy as early as 5 or 6 months, and others aren't interested until after their first birthdays. Most babies seem ready around 7 to 9 months, though.
What's the best way to transition to a sippy cup?
Some babies take to a sippy cup immediately; others take a while to get used to the idea. Here are some tips on making the transition easier:
- Start off with a soft, pliable, nipplelike spout, which will feel more familiar to your baby than a hard plastic spout.
- Show your baby how to raise the cup to his mouth and tip it up to drink.
Give it some time. Until your baby masters the maneuvers, you may want to put only water in the cup. When he shakes or throws it, even a sippy might not keep purple grape juice from hitting the carpet. Don't worry if your baby doesn't use the sippy cup properly for a while. It makes a fine toy, too!
- Try different models until you find one that suits your baby. Some cups have valves that are so effective at keeping the liquid from spilling that children really have to work to get a drink.
Encourage your child to use a regular cup when you think he's ready.
What should I do if my child refuses the sippy cup? (Continue Next Page)
