You’ve enjoyed bonding with your baby during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, but soon you’ll experience a new joy: seeing your baby drink independently. Most babies are ready for this milestone around six months. Here’s how to take those first sips:
Baby bottle nipples are soft, so start out with a soft spout sippy cup, or a cup with a straw, to give your baby a familiar texture.
If your little one is thirsty between feedings, offer water in the sippy or straw cup. And if you’re starting out on solids, give a cup of water with mealtimes too.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends completely phasing out bottles by 24 months to help prevent tooth decay.
Make the switch from a sippy cup to open cup as soon as your child can manage it – around age two or soon after. This is to stop your little one ‘sucking’ on the cup, which can change the position of the tongue and teeth.
Before you know it, the two of you will be toasting to success, cheers!
You can continue to breastfeed long after your child starts using a cup.
Please be aware that the information given in these articles is only intended as general advice and should in no way be taken as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you or your family or your child is suffering from symptoms or conditions which are severe or persistent or you need specific medical advice, please seek professional medical assistance. Philips AVENT cannot be held responsible for any damages that result from the use of the information provided on this website.
