Once a baby reaches about one year old, it’s time to start moving them from sippy cups to lidless cups. This might seem early, but most babies have the coordination skills necessary by this point, and this is an important transition to make early. If you do most of your child care at home, spend as much time practicing with a lidless cup as you can until they’ve mastered it. Here are a few tips to help you accomplish this. 

3 Ways to Help Your Child Use a Cup

1. Be Kind About Mistakes

When your child is first learning how to use a regular cup, there are bound to be spills on a daily basis. Instead of getting worked up or punishing your child for this mistake, think of this as a time to celebrate. After all, mistakes help humans learn, and your baby doesn’t want to spill any more than you want them to. Take this learning opportunity to encourage your child to try again and celebrate their progress. It can also help to only partially fill their cups and cut down on the mess. 

2. Let Them Choose a Cup

This tip may apply to child care in general, but it is especially helpful for training to use cups. Kids are more motivated to use something if they think it is cool, special, or exciting. Help your child love using their cup by letting them pick out their very own cup from the store. If it’s their favorite, they’ll be more eager to use it every day. 

3. Restrict the Sippy Cup to Water

Another tried and true tactic is to ween your child off the sippy cup by putting their favorite drinks in regular cups only. Use their sippy cup exclusively for water, and don’t let them have another drink unless they agree to drink it out of a regular cup. The desire for a drink like juice will motivate your child to learn to use a regular cup faster.

If you’re raising a child and need some help, reach out to Penn Garden Daycare Center in Monroeville, PA. For over 20 years, these experienced child care professionals have provided extended care for children ranging from six weeks to 12 years old. Learn more about their services online, and call (412) 372-4144 to discuss enrollment.