When to introduce a cup?

I often get asked when to offer a cup!

Around 6 months is the perfect time.


Offering a cup over a “sipper cup” or straw helps your little one develop a mature sucking motion, promotes positive oral development and helps with their hand eye coordination.


Just offering 10ml at a time, increasing the volume offered as they become more competent.


If you are worried about the mess or spillage using a naturally thicker fluid is also really helpful to slow the flow down and allow your little one time to get the hang of drinking from an open cup. Yoghurt thinned down with EBM or formula, smoothies or even a veg/fruit puree!


I love this kmart cup (use without the sipper lid).


Let your little one have fun with the cup and experiment. Yes, spills are expected … it is how they learn!


It’s ok they make a mess!


Once competent with using a cup, a sipper or straw can be introduced, but it is not a necessity (although helpful when out and about).

 

WHO Recommendations infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health. Exclusive breastfeeding means that the infant receives breastmilk (including mother’ own expressed breast milk) and allows the infant to receive oral hydration solution, drops, syrups (vitamins, minerals, medicines), but nothing else.

Thereafter, to meet their evolving nutritional requirements, infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods, while continuing to breastfeed for up to two years or beyond.

Australian National Breastfeeding Strategy 2019 and beyond / https://www.who.int/tools/elena/interventions/exclusive-breastfeeding


Want more information about your little one and all things nutrition?
Check out the blogs written by our resident dietitians from @wayoflifenutrition.

 

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