Short answer: most babies can start practising with a cup at around 6 months, when they begin solid foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests offering a cup from about 6 months and moving off bottles by around 12–18 months. Straw cups and open cups are generally preferred over hard-spouted sippy cups, because they encourage a more mature swallowing pattern.
Sippy cup age: a quick timeline
| Age | What to expect |
|---|---|
| 0–6 months | Breast milk or formula only. No cup needed, and no water unless your doctor advises it. |
| Around 6 months | Start solids and offer a few sips of water from a cup with meals. It’s practice, not hydration. |
| 6–9 months | Babies learn to hold the cup with two handles and get the hang of sucking from a straw. |
| 9–12 months | Most babies drink from a straw cup with some confidence and start trying open cups with help. |
| 12–18 months | Move milk from bottle to cup and phase out bottles. |
Signs your baby is ready
- Sits up with little support.
- Has started solid foods.
- Brings objects to the mouth and grabs things with both hands.
- Shows interest when you drink.
Sippy cup vs straw cup vs open cup
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Hard-spout sippy cup | Spill-resistant, easy for travel | Uses a sucking pattern similar to a bottle; many speech therapists suggest limiting it |
| Straw cup | Builds lip and tongue strength; spill-resistant designs available | Straws need regular cleaning |
| Open cup | Best for oral development | Messy at first; needs supervision |
A 2-in-1 silicone sippy cup with both a straw and a soft spout lets you start easy and move to the straw as your baby learns, then use it as an open trainer cup later.
How to teach your baby to use a cup
- Offer it at mealtimes when your baby is sitting in a high chair.
- Start with water in small amounts. Expect more dribbling than drinking at first.
- Show them. Babies copy. Drink from your own cup next to them.
- For straws: dip the straw in water, cover the top with your finger, put it in your baby’s mouth and release so a little water flows. They quickly learn to suck.
- Be patient. It can take weeks of practice.
What to put in the cup
- 6–12 months: small sips of water with meals. Breast milk or formula stays the main drink.
- After 12 months: water and milk as advised by your paediatrician.
- Avoid juice, soft drinks and sweetened drinks, especially before 1 year. They fill small tummies and harm teeth.
- Don’t let your baby carry a cup of milk around all day or take it to bed, as constant sipping can cause tooth decay.
Keeping cups clean
- Take the cup completely apart after every use, including valves and straws.
- Wash in warm soapy water; use a small straw brush. A baby bottle brush kit includes the small brushes you need.
- Check silicone parts for cracks and replace worn valves and straws.
Snacks on the go
Once your baby is eating finger foods, a spill-proof snack cup lets them practise picking up puffs and fruit pieces without everything ending up on the floor of the car.
Frequently asked questions
Can a 4-month-old use a sippy cup?
Generally it’s best to wait until around 6 months, when solids start and your baby can sit up.
How much water should a 6-month-old drink?
Only small sips with meals. Ask your paediatrician for guidance, especially in hot weather.
When should my baby stop using a bottle?
Most paediatric guidance suggests by around 12–18 months.
This article is general information. Please follow your paediatrician’s advice for your baby.
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