The first year of an infant’s life is filled with unforgettable milestones, but one of the most important (and cutest in our opinion) has got to be the transition from the bottle to a ‘big kid’ cup. This essential change is not only great for coordination and motor skill development, but loosening their dependence on the bottle can help encourage them to eat solid foods. Now, we know that many parents might feel a little nervous about beginning this process, which is why we’re here!

So, let’s soak in the benefits of drinking out of cups and sip on some tips to make it a part of your baby’s life…

The Benefits of Cup Training

Did you know that cup training supports speech and oral development? That’s right! It helps little ones build muscles in their mouths to decrease drooling and form sounds. Not only that, but drinking out of cups also helps prevent cavities, supports the weaning process, and eases their introduction to solids. Instead of filling up on sugary liquids like milk, juice, and formula that are often served in bottles and sippy cups, they’ll be more open to try new foods. Last but not least, the transition avoids little ones getting too attached to their bottle and having a hard time letting go.

The Perfect Flow

The best way to help your little one learn new skills while limiting spills, is to use our Kiki stainless steel bottles, available in 5, 9 and 11 oz sizes. Simply swap the nipple or sippy top for our Big Mouth lid! The wider opening lets them practice the same cup training mechanisms while the small hole and sip guard control the flow. Just flip the cap shut when you’re ready to go!

The Best Sippy Cup to Transition from the Bottle

Looking for the best sippy cup around? We’ve got just the thing! Our 5 oz my-my sippy silicone training cup is super soft, safe, and totally shatterproof. It has a removable sippy lid to stop spills in their tracks and a cup base to start training at any time. Its small size is easy for little hands to grip, plus volume markers on the inside ensure that your baby never gets too much!

Sometimes, you’re looking for a fit that’s just right. Luckily, we offer the broadest range of sippy options on the market! Customize your my-my by swapping the sippy lid for a straw lid! Or, for something a little bit bigger, try one of our 9 oz insulated sippy or straw bottles. Looking for something even bigger? You’ll want either our 11oz standard sippy or, our best-selling product, the 11 oz standard straw! Whatever your little one needs, we are sure to have it!

Beginning Cup Training

Ready to start? Grab your training cup and let’s get to it! The first thing to do is fill a cup with a small amount of water. This avoids a big mess and keeps sips small. Next, show them how it’s done — your baby will love to copy you! Then, help them try it themself. Place your hands over theirs and slowly lift the cup to their mouth. Gently tip it until water touches their lips for a few seconds. This will help them learn to close their lips around the cup’s rim. Now, it’s all about practice!

Dealing with Messes

Let’s face it, cup training is a messy business. When it gets a little messy, be sure to show your positivity by smiling or laughing it off. This helps your baby feel empowered to keep trying! While they are still getting the hang of it, try practicing in the tub or outside on a warm day where spills are no big deal. As they get better, start increasing the liquid in the cup. Remember, it’s best to avoid offering too much water if milk is still their main source of nutrition. There’s no need to rush it!

At Pura Stainless, our mission is to offer the safest, most sustainable way to nourish your family. We hope these tips encourage you to introduce cups to your little one as soon as they’re ready. Start today by shopping our 100% plastic-free baby bottles, sippies, and cups — made entirely of stainless steel and medical grade silicone.