Learning to use a cup is one of the developmentally-important, “big kid” tasks of babyhood. Here’s everything you need to know about the downsides of prolonged bottle use, when to introduce cups, and how to choose the best sippy cups.
- Here’s what parents need to know about prolonged bottle use, when to introduce cups, and how to choose the best sippy cups:
- Prolonged bottle use can lead to tooth decay, obesity, picky eating, and altered tooth positioning. Experts advise transitioning to cups by age 1.
- Between 6-9 months is an ideal time to let babies experiment with cup drinking so they’re able to use sippy cups by their first birthday.
- A simple rule of thumb is to choose sippy cups with relatively short straws or valves. Avoid using sippy cups with spouts because they may prolong an immature sucking pattern.
The Downsides of Prolonged Bottle Use
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that parents start transitioning to cups when their children turn 1, dropping bottles altogether by 18 months. Using bottles beyond that point can cause problems, including:
- Increased difficultly weaning, because the longer a child uses a bottle the more attached to it he is.
- Tooth decay, because drinking from a bottle causes the liquid to pool around a child’s brand-new baby teeth.
- Obesity, because habitual bottle use adds too many calories to a child’s diet after age 1. A study found that children still using bottles at age 2 were more likely to be obese at age 6.
- Exacerbated picky eating, because a child may refuse new foods and rely on the bottle to fill him up.
- Altered tooth positioning or palate formation, because prolonged bottle use can interfere with oral development.
When and How to Introduce a Cup
According to the AAP, age 6-9 months is an ideal time to let your baby experiment with cup drinking. You can do this with sippy cups (see below), or even help your baby drink from an open cup. This is just practice—he’ll be able to use a sippy cup solo by age 1, and an open-cup around age 18 months.
To gently wean from bottles, the AAP says to begin swapping them out for cups when your child turns 1. Start with the midday bottle, then move on to evening and morning bottles. Save the bedtime bottle for last. Then, stop bedtime drinking, as it’s no longer medically necessary to fill your tot’s belly before sleep. Drop bottles altogether by age 18 months.
Another option is to introduce cups cold-turkey style. Sometime around age 1, explain to your child that “today we say bye-bye to bottles and hello to big-boy cups!” You can even take him shopping to pick out a new cup. Just like switching from diapers to underpants, your enthusiasm about the switch goes a long way.
If your child is exclusively breastfed and you wish to wean him around age 1, you can follow the same advice outlined above. Some breastfed children continue nursing into toddlerhood, but they should be familiar with cup drinking by the time they’re 18 months old.
How to Choose and Use Sippy Cups
Do you feel overwhelmed walking down the sippy cup aisle? You’re not alone.
A simple rule of thumb, says the official blog of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), is to go for a cup with a relatively short straw (like this one) or a valve (like this one).
Traditional sippy cups with spouts, especially if overused, prolong an immature sucking pattern. Before age 1, babies use a sucking pattern designed for swallowing liquids and soft solids. After age 1, they need a new sucking pattern for managing various types of solids. The basic difference is tongue positioning: Sippy cups with spouts keep the tongue forward, which can interfere with chewing and swallowing new foods. In turn, this can lead to challenging or messier-than-usual mealtimes.
The ASHA blog also warns that overuse of sippy cups with spouts may interfere with speech development or cause a lisp. Straw, valve, or open cups encourage mature tongue movements that help new talkers make speech sounds.
Lastly, remember that it can be dangerous for little ones to cruise, walk, run, or play with a sippy cup in hand. In fact, this study found that every four hours a child is treated in a hospital emergency room for injuries related to baby bottles, pacifiers, and sippy cups!
For more guidance about introducing cups, our BabySparks program has you covered with easy-to-follow instructional videos.
As an expert in child development and parenting, I have a deep understanding of the crucial milestones and practices that contribute to a child's well-being. With a focus on self-care for both infants and parents, I've encountered numerous studies, recommendations, and practical experiences that shape my expertise. Now, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article about introducing cup drinking for babies.
Prolonged Bottle Use: Prolonged bottle use can have detrimental effects on a child's health and development. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes the importance of transitioning to cups by age 1 and discontinuing bottle use by 18 months. The downsides of prolonged bottle use include:
- Increased difficulty in weaning.
- Tooth decay due to liquid pooling around baby teeth.
- Risk of obesity, as habitual bottle use adds excessive calories after age 1.
- Exacerbated picky eating, with children relying on bottles instead of exploring new foods.
- Altered tooth positioning and palate formation, affecting oral development.
When and How to Introduce a Cup: The AAP suggests that the ideal time to introduce cup drinking is between 6-9 months. This can be achieved through sippy cups or even using an open cup with parental assistance. By age 1, children should be able to use a sippy cup independently, progressing to an open cup around 18 months. To facilitate weaning, parents can gradually replace bottles with cups, starting with midday bottles and eventually eliminating all bottles by 18 months. Alternatively, a cold-turkey approach can be taken around age 1, introducing the concept of transitioning from bottles to "big-boy cups."
Choosing and Using Sippy Cups: Selecting the right sippy cup is crucial for a child's development. Traditional sippy cups with spouts are discouraged, especially if overused, as they can prolong an immature sucking pattern. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recommends cups with relatively short straws or valves, as they encourage mature tongue movements essential for speech development. Overuse of spout-based cups may interfere with speech and lead to challenges during mealtimes. Additionally, caution is advised against letting children walk, run, or play with a sippy cup to prevent injuries, as highlighted by a relevant study.
By integrating these concepts into your parenting approach, you'll contribute to your child's healthy development and well-being, ensuring a smooth transition from bottle to cup.
