As parents, we spend a lot of time researching the "best" products for our children. One question that often comes up is:
Should I introduce an open cup or a straw cup?
The good news is that you don't necessarily have to choose one over the other. Most pediatric feeding experts recommend offering both, as each helps children develop important drinking skills.
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When should babies start using a cup?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing a cup around 6 months of age, when babies begin eating solid foods. At this stage, breast milk or formula is still their primary source of nutrition, but learning to drink from a cup is an important developmental milestone.
Benefits of an open cup
Open cups may seem intimidating at first (yes, there will be spills!), but they're an excellent skill for little ones to learn.
Some potential benefits include:
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Encourages babies to learn how to sip rather than suck.
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Helps develop lip, tongue, and jaw coordination.
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Allows children to control how much liquid they take with each sip.
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Supports independence and self-feeding skills.
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It's the same style of cup they'll use throughout life.
Don't be discouraged by the mess. Like learning to crawl or walk, drinking from an open cup takes practice.
Benefits of a straw cup
Straw cups are another excellent option and teach a different set of oral motor skills.
They can help children:
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Practice lip closure around the straw.
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Develop tongue coordination.
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Build jaw stability.
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Learn to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing.
Many feeding therapists recommend offering both open and straw cups because they encourage slightly different movement patterns and together provide a variety of oral motor experiences.
What about traditional sippy cups?
Traditional hard-spout sippy cups can certainly be helpful during the transition from bottles, especially when families are on the go.
However, many pediatric dentists and feeding specialists recommend not relying on them for long periods, as children ultimately benefit from learning to drink from regular open cups and straw cups.
If your child occasionally uses a sippy cup, there's no need to panic. The goal is simply to continue practicing with open and straw cups as their skills develop.
Tips for introducing an open cup
If you're just getting started, try these simple tips:
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Start with only a small amount of water (1–2 ounces).
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Use a small, lightweight cup that's easy to hold.
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Expect spills - they're part of learning.
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Offer the cup during meals when your child is already sitting upright.
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Practice regularly, even if it's only a few sips each day.
Which one is better?
Our answer?
Both.
Open cups and straw cups each support different drinking skills, and many families find success offering both throughout the day. An open cup might be perfect at the dinner table, while a straw cup is often more practical when you're out and about.
Every child develops at their own pace, and that's perfectly okay. The most important thing is creating positive, low-pressure opportunities for your little one to practice.
A quick note 💛
We're parents, not paediatricians, speech-language pathologists, or healthcare professionals. This article is based on our own experiences as parents and information from reputable pediatric and dental organizations.
If you have questions about your child's feeding, oral development, or readiness for different cups, we encourage you to speak with your paediatrician, family doctor, or another qualified healthcare professional. They can provide guidance tailored to your child's unique needs.
Happy sipping!
The BRAI + CO. Team