Cup Training And Introducing Utensils

Open Cups and Cups with Straws

Cup training can begin at 6 months with your help. Start with a little bit of water, around an ounce into a small open cup.

At first, hold the cup and let your child take small sips. Practice a few sips at each meal if possible. When your child seems ready, probably around 9 to 10 months, let your child practice sipping from the cup without your help. Make sure they are seated in their chair while they practice this skill. 

Your baby might enjoy turning the cup upside more than sipping the water at first. Be patient, this skill takes time to learn and many accidents will likely occur. You can also let them practice with a cup and straw. Show your child how to suck on straw by example with your own cup and straw. Avoid sharing cups or straws with your baby because of the possibility of transferring cavity-causing bacteria from you to your child

Spoons, forks, and other Utensils

Keep in mind that your baby learns more from using their hands than from using a spoon, especially in the beginning. At around 9 to 10 months, incorporate safe baby-designed utensils, preferably ones that grip and hold onto the food. You don’t have to offer utensils with every meal. 

With spoons, load a baby spoon with oatmeal or yogurt and set it on your baby’s tray for them to pick up. Eat with utensils in front of your baby and they will model your movements. No need to coach or teach. Let them explore freely so long as it's safe.

If your baby has been successful with getting a loaded spoon to their mouth, you can try loaded baby forks using a rounded baby fork.

Scooping with a spoon and stabbing food with a fork are skills that your baby won’t develop until the toddler years.