Hi everyone! My name is Dr. Sarah Johnson, and I’m a pediatric occupational therapist and part of the infant development team here at Emerge Pediatric Therapy. Today I am excited to share some tips on how to introduce straw cup drinking to your infant after six months of age. This is a valuable skill that supports your child’s oral motor development, coordination, and transition to independent drinking.
When it comes to teaching your infant how to drink from a straw, there are two main approaches I recommend. Let’s dive in!
Using a Honey Bear Cup
One of my go-to tools for introducing straw cup drinking is the Honey Bear Cup. This cup is fantastic because you can squeeze the sides to bring the liquid up to the top of the straw, which removes the challenge of pulling liquid up through the straw. This allows your infant to focus solely on sucking the liquid out, which is a great way to build their confidence and skill.
Here are a few tips when using the Honey Bear Cup:
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Fill the Cup Completely: It’s important to fill the cup all the way to the top. If it’s not filled, it can be harder to maintain control while offering it to your infant.
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Gradual Progression: Once your infant is comfortable sucking liquid out of the straw, you can remove the squeezing step and let them practice sucking the liquid up on their own. This helps build the full range of skills needed for straw drinking.
Using an Open Cup with a Straw
Another effective method is to pair an open cup with a straw. Here’s how I like to use this setup:
- Cut the Straw to the Right Length: Trim the straw so it’s just a little bit above the rim of the cup. This encourages your baby to place their lips correctly without biting the straw or hanging onto it with their teeth.
- Start with Purees: To begin, use a thick puree in the cup. Hold the straw and draw some puree up into it. Then, offer it to your baby so they can practice sucking it out.
- Gradually Thin the Puree: Once your baby has mastered sucking the puree, gradually thin it with water until they can manage the texture of water. Thicker liquids are easier for infants to control, so this progression helps them build their skills step by step.
Tips for Success
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Watch the Straw Length: A straw that’s too long can encourage biting, while a straw that’s too short might make it difficult for your infant to suck properly. Aim for a straw that’s just tall enough for their lips to wrap around comfortably.
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Offer Gentle Support: When using an open cup with a straw, hold the straw in place so it doesn’t move too much while your baby is learning.
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Take Your Time: Every baby progresses at their own pace. Be patient and adapt the process to your infant’s needs and comfort level.
Why This Skill Matters
Introducing straw drinking is about more than just transitioning from a bottle or breastfeeding—it’s also a critical step in developing oral motor strength, coordination, and independence. By practicing these techniques, you’re helping your baby build the skills they need for future feeding milestones.
If you have any questions about your child’s eating development or overall development, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
Thanks so much for reading, and happy straw-drinking practice!