How to Teach a Baby to Drink From a Straw?

You’re sipping your smoothie peacefully at the cafe, and your toddler tries to sip from your cup. This curiosity is the perfect time to teach the baby to drink from a straw.

Here’s what to know before your baby uses a straw:

• Babies aren’t born knowing how straws work. You will need to teach them deliberately.
• This isn’t a one-and-done skill. Let baby play, mess up, and figure it out.
• You, as a responsible parent, must be patient.

Let’s explore some tips to help kids learn to drink from straw cups.

When Can Babies Drink Out of a Straw?

Generally, babies start to drink from a straw cup when they are around 8-9 months. Parents can help by showing how to use a straw or giving them a spill-proof cup to practice with. Every kid’s different, but lots of them get the hang of it by around 12 months.

Also Check: Easy and Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Your 10-Month-Old

Easy Step-by-Step Methods to Teach Kids Straw Drinking

You have to gradually level up things step by step to teach babies to learn to drink from a straw.

1. To teach a baby to drink from a sippy cup, use a straw that is not attached to a cup initially, so you can demonstrate easily. Dip it into liquid, cover the top with your finger to trap it, then release a small drop into their mouth.
2. Take them easy first foods like smoothies and yougurt drinks as they move slower and it will give them some moments to grab the practice of sucking the straw.
3. Squeeze the bottle gently to push liquid up the straw when they close their lips around it.
4. Offer only a small amount of water in the cup (1-2 tablespoons) to minimize mess and make it manageable for the baby.
5. Let them blow bubbles in water with a straw first—this helps them learn mouth control.

Choosing the Right Straw Cup

Selecting the right straw cup also determines how easily your kid will learn to drink from the straw. Here are some actionable tips to remember when choosing a straw cup for your toddler.

1. Straw should be somewhat weighted because it will balance the cup when tilted.
2. The cup should have a handle, better if on both sides.
3. Some cups leak if tipped or dropped, so look for spill-proof designs.
4. Must choose stainless steel or BPA-free plastic for toddlers.
5. The material should be easy to clean, dishwasher safe, and have few removable parts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Teaching a Baby to Use a Straw

Many loving mums make these common mistakes, and it makes it tough for the toddlers to drink from the straw.

1. They start teaching kids to use straws too early. Make sure you don’t introduce them to straws before 6-9 months of age.
2. Avoid jumping straight to straw cups; first, use a pipette or squeeze method to teach cause-and-effect.
3. Frustration backfires always. Always avoid nagging and remain playful. Maybe get them some fun toys to keep them engaged.
4. Straw cups with complex parts can harbor mold. Choose easy-to-clean designs.
5. Sticking with soft silicone straws past 12 months delays skill progression. Gradually introduce firmer straws.

Last Words

Remember that babies learn skills at their own pace. So, avoid scolding or pressurizing them. Otherwise, toddlers tend to cry and become stressed.

The best way to help kids learn to use a straw is to model sipping, start with thick liquids in a squeezable cup, and turn practice into playful, pressure-free sessions.