What’s the Deal with Sippy Cups?

Feeling overwhelmed by all the toddler cup options? You’re not alone! Parents often ask:

“What cup is best?”
The answer? There’s no one perfect cup.
Research doesn’t show that one type of cup affects speech, swallowing, or eating more than another.

So don’t stress — the goal is progress, not perfection!

🧃 Sippy Cup Styles at a Glance

Type	Description
Hard Spout	Tough and spill-proof, but may be less ideal for oral motor development
Soft Spout	Gentler transition from bottles, softer on gums
Straw Cup	Supports oral development and proper tongue movement
360 Cup	Mimics an open cup, great for practicing real drinking

✅ Therapist Tips for Smart Sippy Cup Use

• 🚫 Avoid sugary drinks. Stick with water or milk. No soda, and limit juice!
• ⏱ Teach short sips. Encourage drinking for a few seconds, then putting the cup down.
• 🥄 Try open or straw cups by age 1. Great for oral development!
• 🛁 Practice in the bath. Learning with water means no stress over spills.

📆 When to Introduce

• Start between 6–9 months.
  Your baby should be sitting independently and starting solids.
• Wean off bottles by 12–18 months.
  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends saying goodbye to bottles to reduce the risk of dental issues.

🚫 When to Ditch the Sippy Cup

• By age 2, transition to:
  • Open cups
  • Straw cups
  • 360 cups

These support healthy oral motor development and set the stage for lifelong drinking habits.

💬 Final Thoughts

Sippy cups are tools — not a permanent solution.
Use them to support your child’s independence, but start practicing open and straw cup skills early on.

With a little patience, you’ll help your child develop confident, healthy drinking habits!

Need more help with feeding or cup transitions?
Talk to your pediatrician or a feeding therapist for personalized guidance.