momstown Mississauga moms met to discuss weaning at Baby Basics a program designed for parents and babies 0 – 12m. A common question that came up was how to encourage little ones to take a sippy cup.
When your child reaches 6 months of age its time to consider adding in table food to their diets. The majority of nutrition at this stage should still primarily be coming from the milk or formula the baby is drinking.
One common theme from the weaning discussions momstown Mississauaga members have been having centered around Sippy Cups. What's the best type to buy, when to introduce them and how to encourage kids who don't seem to like them.
What type is the best? That's really an impossible question to answer. There are so many types to choose from it will really come down to trial and error finding what your child likes to use.
Features to Look For in Sippy Cups for Young Babies:
1. Handles. Many cups have handles that make it easy for the baby to grip onto. Others are shaped more like a bottle. Either way this will come down to baby's preference.
2. Free Flowing – many sippy cups have valves in them that are hard to use for young babies as it takes a lot of suction to get anything out. If you have purchased this type and baby is finding it frustrating try removing the valve.
Tips for Introducing a Cup:
1. Start at a time of day when your baby is happiest. If they are tired or grumpy introducing something new will not go over well.
2. Model the behaviour show them how to use the cup and let them taste what's in there. The baby might not know what deliciousness is inside that cup.
3. If you are unsuccesful try a few differnt styles of cups. There are some with nipples, some with soft spouts or even straws.
4. If your child still isn't interested don't worry! Sippy cups are not an essential step. As you are weaning your baby and introducing more table foods you can certainly also get them to try open cups.
momstown has partnered with Walmart Canada to raise awareness of their Every Little Step Baby Program. You can find a great assortment of sippy cups at Walmart and all at reasonable prices.
No time to shop? That's ok! You can order a cup and some boxes of diapers as well as any other baby essentials you might need and they will ship it all right to your door – Walmart even offers FREE SHIPPING!
