Bottle to Cup

Bottle to Cup

Why babies need to learn to drink from a cup

In the first few months of their lives, babies have a natural sucking reflex and breast feeding or feeding from a bottle is very comforting to them.

As babies grow, they need to learn to make different movements with their mouth that will help them to eat and speak properly – that’s why moving from a bottle to a cup is so important. It also helps protect their teeth, establish good eating patterns and avoid speech problems.

Is there a link between delayed introduction of a cup and a poor diet?

A study conducted by Bristol University as part of the ALSPAC project has revealed that continued use of a bottle in infants over 12 months led to a high consumption of milk.¹ This has been linked to a number of possible adverse effects, including an inadequate nutrient intake as the child may fill up on milk leading to a reduction in food intake.

The researcher’s results suggested that dietitians and health visitors have an important role to play in helping parents understand the need to progress onto a cup as soon as the infant is old enough.

Tips to help parents make the move

As soon as a baby can hold things, they should be given a cup to play with – as they put most things in their mouths, this will get them used to the feel of a cup in their hands and mouth.

The child should be seated upright at a table before being offered something to drink. This encourages a good drinking position and puts the cup at the right starting height.

To avoid distraction, bottles should be kept out of sight when drinks are offered from a cup.

The cup should be introduced during the day when the baby is not tired and better able to concentrate.

If a beaker with a lid is used, parents should use ones with holes in the spout rather than a membrane, as the fluid will flow without the baby having to suck, thus discouraging the tongue thrusting they use when sucking.

Once babies are used to a beaker, the lid should be removed to help them develop a sipping action.

Never leave a baby or young child unsupervised while eating or drinking.

References:
1. K Northstone, I Rogers et al. Drinks consumed by 18 month old children: Are current recommendations being followed? Eur J Clin Nutr 2002; 56: 236-44

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Breast feeding is best for babies. Infant milks are intended to replace breast milk when mothers do not breast feed. Good maternal nutrition is important for the preparation and maintenance of breast feeding. Introducing partial bottle feeding may have a negative effect on breast feeding and reversing a decision not to breast feed is difficult. You should always seek the advice of a doctor, midwife, health visitor, public health nurse, dietitian or pharmacist on the need for and proper method of use of infant milks and on all matters of infant feeding. Infant milk should always be prepared and used as directed. Unnecessary or improper use of infant milk may present a health hazard. Social and financial implications should be considered when selecting a method of infant feeding.

This information is intended for use only by residents of the UK and ROI