Hello, Cup!

Dentists and Nutritionists suggest introducing the cup to your baby at around six months, when you wean (or before, if he can sit up and hold things independently). The aim should be to have him off the bottle by his first birthday. But there's nothing that says you can't get him used to holding a cup an an earlier age. Once he can grasp small toys and rattles, let him play with a trainer cup (with handles).

In terms of a baby's dental health, cups are better; drink flows faster through a spout, decreasing the amount of time it's in contact with teeth. Feeding with a bottle over long periods can cause decay, as the milk (and the sugars contained in it) 'pool' around the teeth and gums. This feeds the bacteria that cause plaque and erosion of dental surfaces.

The introduction of the cup leads to other benefits as well; Lip and tongue muscles are strengthened during sipping, even if they only drink a little at first. It will also encourage a bit more independence.

Getting Used To It

Sucking for comfort can be a hard habit to break. If there's a certain time of day your baby is used to bottlefeeding, like first thing in the morning or before bed, this should be the last feed switched from bottle to cup. if your child is used to drinking expressed milk, or formula in a bottle, try a bottle with handles. Once he gets used to holding it, move to a cup with a lid that seals, a soft spout, and handles that are easy to grip.