Sippy Cups

When did you start on sippy cups, what kind is best and what do you put in there? Is just water ok and how much and how often?

 

I started at about 6 months just putting water in the Take N Toss (First Years) 5 ounce sippies. There is no valve to prevent leaks so it was easier for them to suck through and learn that they can get water through the spout. I found that the Avent ones with the valve were too hard for them to suck through and they just got frustrated. They did not really drink much from them until about 8 months or so. Also the Nuby straw cups are nice.

 

We got the cheap ones from walmart. They leak if you hold them upside down. My two took right to the sippy cup b/c it dripped right in their mouth. We had tried the more expensive cups that wont leak and they are very hard to use so I recommend the cheap ones.

 

We started sippys at 6 months. We tried various brands, but without the valves because they couldn't master the suck. Now that they 'get it', we put the valves back in & it's a LOT less messy! I agree with DATJMom, the Take N Toss cups are GREAT! We have LOTS & the boys do very well with them.

We started with plain water, but when they didn't seem very interested in the sippys & I was starting to worry they'd never 'get it', I added a splash of juice. I have occasionally put formula in there if they didn't take a good bottle before the meal they get the sippy with.

Just experiment, but beware...it may take time!

 

I just started Katie on one. It is a Gerber one with a soft spout. She is using it really good. I put some diluted juice in it.

 

I have never been in a big rush to start anything . I tried them around 7 months and they just chewed on the spout. I bought the Playtex cups with the two handles, I don't know how good they are because I haven't really tried other ones. My 14 month old nephew loves his sippy with the little straw. Anyway I would give them a little bit of water in it every few days and eventually (10 months) they finally got the hang of it. Now I give them a sippy when they get up from their naps and during meals. Sometimes I give them really watered down apple or pear juice, sometimes I give them the Gerber splashers, and sometimes just water. I know a lot of people don't give juice but mine really won't drink much water. They like water if I give it to them out of my big water bottle when we are on a walk but other than that they will barely touch it if it is in their sippies. I would definitely try just water first, to avoid giving them any un-needed sugar and if they like it you can stick with it.

 

We started at 6 months with the Nuby brand cups. At first they just played, I would tilt them up and show them how to use them, within 2 weeks DD started taking a few sips, with DS it took longer. Still they don't drink much, but love having fun and banging them.