- Wondering which training cup to choose for your baby?
- Are you still hesitating to take the plunge, wondering if this purchase is really worth it?
- A quick search on the Internet has shown you that the number of models on the market is quite substantial?
You soon sensed that the situation was getting out of hand, and decided to close your browser rather than continue your research...
We know what you mean... Theinfinite possibilities make the task complex. And spending hours comparing is not your cup of tea... Right? 😉
To find the ideal learning cup, you need to ask yourself the right questions.
But first, let's take a look at what a training cup is and what its advantages are. Then, let's look at how and when to introduce them into your baby's daily routine... Finally, let's take a look at the criteria you need to bear in mind when choosing yours!
Let's get reading!
CONTENTS :
- What is a learning cup?
- The benefits of the learning cup
- At what age can baby start using a training cup?
- Should baby's bottle be taken away as soon as his training cup is introduced?
- How do you introduce the learning cup into baby's life?
- Which learning cup is right for your child?
- To remember from this article
What is a learning cup?
A training cup is a container halfway between a bottle and a tall glass. It's a practical childcare item for parents who want to help their baby become more independent.
The training cup is sometimes fitted with handles, although this is not necessary for a good grip. The cup's material and shape play a very important role in its handling.
The benefits of the learning cup
A training cup, unlike a glass that capsizes and spills, or a bottle that leaks, enables baby to drink on his own without the help of his parents. In this way, the training cup prevents him from getting soaked in a matter of seconds.
And every parent knows: changing baby is a laborious task that is repeated often during the day, so there's no need to go overboard!
It allows babies to help themselves without having to wait for someone to hand it to them... One less frustration!
Leak-proofThis is a very attractive system. To be fully satisfactory, you'll need to opt for a plastic-free model.
The learning cup, also sometimes called the learning bottle or learning gourd, is also a key element in successful bottle weaning! Thanks to its spout system, it enables baby to wean gently from the teat.
At what age can baby start using a training cup?
It's possible to find training cups that can be used as early as 6 months. It all depends on your child and his or her development. Take time to observe your baby at mealtimes. Does he ever ask you for water or milk in a "big" glass?
If that's the case, then baby's ready to take the next step!
Note that the training cup is also an extra glass for topping up baby's fluid intake during the day.
At the beginning of his learning process, it is advisable not to fill the cup completely so that he absorbs his drink in small sips, which will prevent him from choking, or drinking the cup, if you allow us the pun... 🥛
This will also force him to tilt his head back more when drinking and teach him the right gestures.
Should baby's bottle be taken away as soon as his training cup is introduced?
Removing baby's bottle as soon as the training cup is introduced could prove brutal for him.
It's best to let him choose for the first few weeks. As babies are naturally attracted by novelty, they'll ask for their learning cup on their own. What's more, he'll want to imitate you. Explain to him that his new cup will make him grow up!
If your wish is to take your child off the bottle quickly, you can encourage and compliment him every time he chooses his cup rather than his bottle for hydration.
If, for whatever reason, your baby needs a lot of reassurance, make sure he has his bottle for the first few weeks, to reassure himself if that's what he's used to. Later, you can replace the bottle with a cuddly toy to gradually wean him off the bottle.
How do you introduce the learning cup into baby's life?
No need to make piles of them... Or should we say cups? As with any new introduction of objects into your child's life, it's essential to demystify , not sacralize. In this case, it's a good idea to bring the training cup to your baby as if it were any other object. First, without water, so that he can concentrate on the look and feel rather than the function. Baby will feel, smell, put the cup in his mouth and observe the cup you're holding out to him.
Once he's familiar with it, you can fill it with about 20 millilitres and give it to him in a sitting position.
Make sure your child's head is clear and not obstructed by clothing or cushions. He must be able to free himself quickly in the event of a false start. Don't worry, though: the spouts are designed to dispense small quantities of water.
Which learning cup is right for your child?
There's no need to try out different training cups to find the one that's right for your baby. Besides, it would be too expensive!
If your baby has been breast-fed, we recommend that you opt directly for a cup that resembles the shape of the breast.
There aren't many of these models on the early years market, so take a look at our store! We offer learning cup models designed to remind baby of his mother's breast.
All our models are made from medical-grade silicone, a material that contains no microplastics and therefore poses no risk to your baby's health. Note that the spout is compatible with our innovative Bib'Ronds.
Our training cups are soft, so they can be squeezed by your child's little hands. Rest assured, this action does not eject any water out of the container. 💦 But it will remind him of the sweet sensations experienced during breastfeeding sessions with his mother.
To remember from this article
- A training cup is an item that enables baby to drink on his own without the intervention of his parents or a family member.
- You can offer it to your baby as early as 6 months, depending on his or her level of interest.
- The beauty of the learning cup is that it doesn't leak. So it can be carried wherever you go with baby, without splashing or needing to be changed...
- The training cup can also be offered to your child as a complement to his bottle at mealtimes. In this way, you can offer your child an alternative and ensure a smooth weaning process.
- Our medical-grade silicone models are designed to protect baby's health. Their breast-like shape and peach-skin texture make them irresistible to your child!
