Sippy cups are a great way to train children to drink out of a glass when they are too old for bottles but not developmentally mature enough to handle an adult option. While buying and using a sippy cup may seem simple, it can actually be a bit challenging at first! Below is some information on introducing the sippy cup, as well as some great ones to try.

Sippy cups are exactly what the name implies - a usually plastic cup that allows young children to sip juice or water with a safe, spill-proof design. Their lids usually either snap or screw on, and sometimes the cup itself includes handles for easy gripping along with the simple sipping! While designed for toddlers, younger children can utilize a sippy cup with no problem. The typical age to start use is between 7 to 9 months, though some kids are ready to explore their drinking options before or after this time frame. It all depends upon the child, and should be brought up with the pediatrician if you are having trouble making a decision.

These little ones often use a sippy cup with no inhibitions, however a fair number of babies and children struggle with its use. You can make the transition stress-free by showing your child how it is done. Act out using the sippy cup yourself so baby has an example of what she is expected to do. You will also want to fill the cup only with water at first. Frustration and anger directed at your child will cause an aversion to the cup, and if a dropped sippy results with grape juice all over a white carpet, that temper is sure to flare! Lastly, encourage your child to play with their sippy cup so they can get used to the idea of it. This can be further emphasized with a fun and colorful design specially suited for young children such as the Nuby with a spout similar to a bottle

If your child is having a hard time adjusting, there are a few tricks you can use to help her get the hang of things. Try covering the tip of the sipper with milk or juice, which will help them get a taste for what the function of the cup is. You also may want to separate what baby is drinking - reserve the milk for bottles and use the sippy cup for only juice or water, so your child will begin to discern the difference and eventually gain preference for the sippy. Lastly, you can buy a sippy cup that closely resembles a drink container you may use yourself, which will help your child to feel like a grown up. The Nuby Sports Sipper bears a great resemblance to adult sports bottles - so permit your child a little independence with something that looks exciting and mature, rather than foreign and scary.

If baby is especially young when she makes the switch, try a BornFree Trainer Cup which will provide the ideal transition from bottle to big kid. With the proper sippy cup at their disposal, your little one will take growing up in stride.