From the moment of birth, babies are fed from the breast or bottle (or both if you choose mixed feeding). As they grow, their needs and abilities become more refined, leading them to explore the possibilities available to them. The sippy cup is one such option. This clever accessory, designed to help babies transition from bottle to cup, quickly becomes a way for them to gain a sense of independence. But to do it right, at what age should you start using a sippy cup, and how do you know if your baby is ready?
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The ideal age to start drinking from a cup
As parents, countless questions constantly propel us further into reflection on our child's well-being. What does he need? What does he want? Is now the right time to learn this or that?
Of course, whatever the learning process, it's essential to respect your baby's pace and needs . Also, if they show great curiosity about something new or an object like a training cup, it would be a shame to frustrate them.
At Élhée, we recommend waiting until 6 months of age to begin the transition from bottle to cup, the age of weaning and therefore the introduction of water. At this age, babies also begin to sit up and grasp objects with their hands : two prerequisites for independence.
How do I know if my child is ready for the training cup?
Can your little one hold their head up on their own, grasp an object, coordinate their hand/mouth movements, and show curiosity about how you drink? It's very likely they're ready to use other containers besides their bottle to drink from.
7 criteria for choosing the right training cup
There are many models of baby cups on the market. With straws or spouts, they all have their advantages. However, Élhée has chosen to focus on ease of use, baby safety, and innovation to create Bubble.
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A baby training cup, not too big and not too small
Bubble is ergonomic enough for a baby as young as 6 months to hold on their own, yet large enough to be truly useful. This advantage stems not only from its unique shape , the same as the iconic BibROND, but also from the flexibility and non-slip texture of its material.
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A healthy and safe product for babies
The medical-grade silicone from which Bubble and its suction spout are made is 100% safe for babies, free from any chemicals , tasteless , odorless , and soft enough to make using the cup very comfortable.
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Soft and cheerful colors, appreciated by children
Because babies are born with limited vision, they initially only perceive contrasts like black and white. That's why we created the Sand/Black training cup .
And because colors and shades appear over the months, we have added the Sand/Khaki and Sand/Blue models, not forgetting the Graouu pattern, for a learning cup capable of taking part in the most beautiful bedtime stories.
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A leak-proof suction nozzle
To suit babies from 6 months old, Bubble features not a spout through which water flows, but a leak-proof suction spout that is sufficiently airtight to prevent spills and leaks, even at night . Like a pacifier, the child sucks to drink and therefore does not need to tilt their head back. This also reduces the risk of choking.
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Sufficient capacity for hydration
For a training cup that's neither too heavy to carry nor too quickly emptied, the 240ml size was chosen. However, Élhée has a great tip for you! The Bubble cup components are compatible with the BibROND . You can therefore create a 150ml, 240ml, or even 330ml baby cup simply by attaching your chosen baby bottle to a suction spout.
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An easy-to-clean training cup
Even though babies mainly use it for drinking water, the training cup should be easy to clean to prevent the growth of bacteria. While Bubble is dishwasher safe , it's also perfectly suited for a quick hand wash without any special accessories.
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Security as the ultimate asset
No small parts , no controversial ingredients and unbreakable silicone material: these are the 3 safety, security and peace of mind advantages of the Élhée training cup for babies from 6 months.
Learning to drink like a grown-up: the different stages
Every discovery goes through different stages. For your baby, it's first about touching before accepting, then trying, and finally using.
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Discovering the drinking cup : baby discovers its shape and colors. He can look at it, touch it, put it in his mouth, roll it, drop it or throw it, to experience it in three dimensions.
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Familiarization with this new container : even if he does not yet know how to use it or even what it is for, baby recognizes and accepts the cup as a now familiar object that you have already presented to him.
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Learning to drink independently : the time has come for the first attempts at drinking on their own. They may still drop their water bottle, but baby is definitely determined to use it.
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Independence thanks to the leak-proof cup : that's it, baby is able to drink all by himself like a grown-up, and maybe also to remove the cap from his Bubble or to take it everywhere as he goes on his adventures.
5 tips to help your child transition from bottle to cup via cup
Even though the training cup is designed to support babies' development of independence, don't hesitate to guide your child to make it easier. This advice also applies to minor difficulties, to avoid major frustrations.
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Start early , from 6 months, by varying the containers and habits.
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Give small amounts of water at first to avoid the risks of aspiration and overflow.
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Encourage your child and stay positive . Babies (like adults) are very sensitive to enthusiasm (even excessive enthusiasm).
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Always be gentle and patient . Whatever the learning process, hugs, a lack of pressure, and a caring approach are always beneficial.
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Make this experience a game through catchy songs, sensory activities or mimicry.
How can I help a baby who is having trouble drinking?
Every child develops at their own pace. Therefore, a baby may struggle with some learning milestones and not with others. These are challenges you can help them overcome.
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Holding a cup, mug, or water bottle : too heavy, slippery, or difficult to handle, an unsuitable container can fall or spill. Here, soft silicone, with its easy grip and secure hold, offers a solution. To help your baby, you can show them how to hold it with both hands and start by giving them their new cup for short periods only.
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Drinking without spills : If you notice your baby spilling water with their current cup, try a leak-proof spout. To drink, your child will have to suck, which will help them control their movements and avoid little accidents. To help them, encourage them to drink more slowly.
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Getting used to new sensations : your baby may find using a rigid container strange or unpleasant. Here again, the unique shape of the Bubble training cup, its flexibility, and its suction spout make it a gentle and easy alternative. To help them, let them explore the different possibilities, positions, and rhythms to drink like a grown-up.
These minor, temporary problems can have several causes and may simply stem from your child's refusal to change their habits. If in doubt, explore these possibilities first:
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A change made too early : the training cup is recommended from 6 months, but, because each child has their own rhythm, its use may still be premature for yours.
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Eye-hand coordination still in its infancy : your child may not yet have acquired enough fine motor skills to hold their cup and drink at the same time.
Discovering and using a training cup is an important milestone for your baby. It's a proud moment for them, and for you too . To help them, start early—as early as 6 months—by offering small amounts of water. Encourage your baby's attempts and always be patient. Also, remember that all learning is play. Next to your baby, grab your cup and drink too. Laughter, imitation, and lovely memories guaranteed!
Finally, if he encounters any difficulties, don't worry. Try to understand the cause and adjust your approach accordingly. With your love and support, your baby will soon be able to drink from a cup like a pro.
