How To Transition from Bottle to Sippy Cup

Transitioning your baby from a bottle to a sippy cup may be an adventure for you and your little one. Your baby might not want to change from their familiar, tried-and-true bottle to the sippy cup. But this shift is an important step in teaching them to drink from a regular cup. Ready to make the move? Stay positive and try these tips.

Let Them Imitate You

As you start moving from bottle to sippy cup, keep in mind that your baby might not even know what a sippy cup is just yet. Show them a sippy cup and demonstrate how to hold and drink from it. Guide their hands to help them hold the cup themselves. You may have to repeat this step until they get the hang of it.

Try Different Baby Sippy Cups

Try different types of cups when introducing your baby to a sippy cup. There’s a wide range of sippy cups with various kinds of handles, lids, spouts, and materials. Some styles may be easier or more difficult for your little one to use.

Finding the ideal sippy cup for your child might take a little experimenting, as every baby is unique and has different preferences. You may have to try out several types before finding the one your baby feels most comfortable using.

Let Them Pick the Perfect Sippy Cup

Build up your baby’s excitement and support their curiosity by letting them tell you which cup they love best. Set a few styles in front of them, and let your little one pick their favorite. Whether they like the feel of a particular cup or its bright colors, they may be more likely to drink from a cup that has captured their attention.

What Should I Put in My Baby’s Sippy Cup?

Your baby’s first sippy cup beverage should be breast milk or infant formula—something they already know they like. Having too many new things introduced at once may overwhelm your baby.

Once your little one becomes more at ease with the sippy cup and they’re at least six months old, you can offer them plain water. Keep in mind, however, that breast milk or formula is still best for hydration and should be your child’s primary drink for up to 12 months of age. Water is only an addition if parents choose to provide it to babies ages 6-12 months. Babies under one year should not drink juice or cow’s milk unless advised by your pediatrician.

Celebrate the Occasion

Using a sippy cup is a big deal for your little one. Celebrate this milestone with claps, cheers, and plenty of praise and positive reinforcement. Get any caregivers involved with the jubilation—and ensure that they also follow your new sippy cup routine.

Start With One Feeding Per Day

Begin your transition from bottle to sippy cup with a single use of the sippy cup per day. This gradual approach allows your child to become accustomed to the new experience without feeling stressed.

Choose a time of day when your child is typically calm, perhaps a mid-morning snack or an afternoon drink. This slow and steady introduction helps them adapt comfortably and gives you the chance to gauge their response and adjust the routine as needed. As they get more familiar with the sippy cup over time, you can gradually increase its use.

Remove the Bottle from Your Child’s View

Out of sight, out of mind. While this tip may seem simple, it can be quite effective. Keeping the bottle out of your baby’s view can help them focus on their new beverage container.

When to Introduce a Sippy Cup to Your Baby

It’s generally recommended to introduce a cup—open or sippy—to your child when they begin eating solid foods, which is typically around six months of age.

Drinking from a cup is an important step in your child’s developmental journey. It helps them learn new skills like hand-eye coordination and swallowing techniques that differ from nursing or bottle-feeding.

How Do I Know If My Baby Is Ready for A Sippy Cup?

A significant cue is if your baby is showing interest in or already eating solid foods. Also, notice if your baby is watching you drink from a cup or if they’re reaching for your drinks. This curiosity indicates they might be ready to try it themselves.

What Kind Of Sippy Cup Should I Buy?

If you opt to use a sippy cup rather than an open cup, choose one with a simple spouted lid. Avoid cups that have valves, which often demand more sucking. Valve-free cups require babies to learn how to sip and control the flow of liquid, which are essential oral motor skills.

Be Patient When Transitioning from Bottle to Sippy Cup

The change from a bottle to a sippy cup doesn’t happen overnight. Some babies might take to a sippy cup immediately, while others need more time to get used to the new feel and method of drinking.

Be patient and allow your child to progress at their own pace. Offer the sippy cup regularly, but don’t force it if they seem resistant. Sometimes, they might only take a few sips before losing interest, and that's OK. Celebrate these small steps and keep offering the cup without pressure.

Explore Enfamil Family Beginnings^® for More Baby Feeding Tips

Transitioning to a sippy cup is a big step for your little one, but these tips can help make the switch easier for both of you. Soon your baby will be drinking from a cup and moving onto their next exciting milestone! And remember, Enfamil is here to help support your little one’s nutrition and well-being. For more tips and resources on all things baby, be sure to join Enfamil Family Beginnings^®. Enjoy up to $400 in savings, exclusive rewards, support, surprises, and a chance to win free formula for a year.