Your baby is growing daily and gaining more and more knowledge on how to do many activities. If the time is right for your baby to transition from bottle to a cup here are some tips that will help with the transitioning.
Babies love learning and doing things by themselves. It gives them a big confidence boost. I’m sure you’ve noticed while doing something specific your baby will watch you closely and then try to copy you. It is very important for a baby to be able to drink on their own as prolonged use of a bottle can cause certain health problems. This includes tooth decays, ear infections and obesity. It can also let your baby develop a sweet tooth and refuse to let go of a pacifier if is used.
1. Start Early And Take Things Slow
Many moms will start to introduce a sippy cup or normal cup once their baby starts eating solid foods. The reason for this is by the time your baby is 6 – 8 months old they can sit on their own without your support. Chewing food is easy and your baby knows how to use his hands to hold and grab objects. Start to introduce a sippy or cup to your baby and see whether he is interested by the idea and takes it. If baby resists, put it aside and try again later or tomorrow.
2. Introduce A Cup From The Same Brand
If your baby is drinking from a bottle and is used to a specific teat, consider buying a sippy or cup from the same brand as the bottle. Your baby will be familiar with the teat and the way it drinks and accept the cup quicker. This makes the transition from bottle to a cup much easier. Many babies don’t like to drink from different teats as it confuses them and it can lead to nipple confusion.
Breastfeeding babies face the same concern. You might be lucky and your baby accepts the sippy or cup with the first offer and with no fuss at all. If this is the case it is a great start and it will be easy for your baby to transition from bottle to a cup.
3. Offer Small Amounts And Allow Regular Practicing
Ideally you would want to fill the cup with small amounts of water. The reason that I’m saying water is because there are going to be plenty of spilling. Your baby is going to notice that he can tip the sippy or cup over and the liquid will come flowing out creating a new and fun game. My daughter is currently at this stage. She will drink from her sippy all grown up and as soon as me or my husband looks away she messes on the floor. What works for us is to offer the cup after meal times and to supervise her.
4. Offer Something Sweet
If you tried giving water and it didn’t do the trick offer something sweet. Babies from 6 months and up are allowed to drink juice, however it is loaded with sugar and can cause heatburn and tummy aches. A good alternative will be rooibos tea as it is natural and contains healthy antioxidants. Take note that breast milk or formula is advised to stay your babies main source of food until the age of 12 months and should not be replaced with water or any other liquid. It contains all the healthy nutritions and minerals that your baby needs growing up.
5. Be Patient
Remember this is something new and your baby is going to have to get used to transition from bottle to a cup. Be patient and follow your babies cue. As time goes along your baby will surprise you by holding his cup and showing off his new drinking skills.
Mamas Blossom
xxx
We used sippy cups with both our babies and we introduced them in summer when we could sit outside so that when they dropped the cup they messed outdoors! It was so much fun watching them learn how to use a cup and yes I think it is so important to be patient and enjoy the experience of something new. Thanks for these fantastic tips!
The transition from bottle to a cup can be a little challenging sometimes. Some babies are adamant and do not want to let go of the bottle. As you have suggested this transition needs to be done gradually. The kids have a psychological bonding with the bottle method and one needs to be gentle and slow and patient with the transition.
Hi Sandy. Babies and infants even older children are so connected to specific things which gives them comfort. It’s difficult to let go of it just so.