From birth to 6 months, babies mainly rely on breastfeeding or formula milk to meet their body’s nutritional needs. After the baby starts teething, they also become interested in other foods and can gradually introduce complementary foods to train their feeding skills. When babies start learning to pick up food on their own, it’s also time to consider having them start using straw cups.
Babies usually start using straw cups from 6 to 8 months old, but the specific situation varies from person to person. Parents should not overly demand to avoid causing coughing, which is not conducive to the baby’s health. Before the baby is 6 months old, they usually drink water from a bottle. After the baby is 6 months old, they can use a straw cup to take a small amount of water and guide the baby to try it out. Gradually, they should not rush and train the baby slowly. When the baby can accept it, they can use a straw cup to drink water in the future.
Before using a straw cup for your baby, check the sealing of the cup and the water temperature inside the cup to prevent the spilled water from scalding your baby’s skin or esophagus. Parents should also pay attention to the material of the straw cup and avoid selecting products that are not suitable to harm your baby’s health.
How to teach babies to drink water with a straw cup？
1. steal the beams and pillars and replace them with rotten timbers
At the beginning, the baby can use a duckbill style straw cup to drink water. Duckbill is very similar to a pacifier, and babies are more receptive. When the baby wants to drink milk, also put half of the formula in the bottle and the other half in a straw cup. After the baby finishes drinking from the bottle, replace it with a straw cup.
2. Parent demonstration
When babies first start using a straw cup, they may not be accustomed to or know how to suck. At this time, parents personally demonstrate to the baby how to lift the cup and how to use force through the mouth to drink water.
3. blow bubbles
In addition to teaching babies how to use a straw cup through demonstration, they can also be induced to learn how to use a straw cup by blowing air into the cup. Put a small amount of water or juice in the cup, and first use a straw to blow it towards the cup, making bubbles and sounds. If the baby is interested, they will also follow the blowing, blowing and blowing, and the water will be sucked into their mouth, and then gradually learn to use it.
