When Can a Baby Drink From a Straw?
Giving your baby the opportunity to drink from a straw is a great skill that will help him/her develop proper drinking habits. But when can a baby drink from a straw?
Timeline for Introducing Straws
Getting your baby used to drinking from a straw can be a long process, so it’s important to understand the timeline you should use. Here is the recommended timeline for introducing straws to your baby:
- 4-7 Months:Baby can lean his/her head back while taking a sip.
- 9-11 Months: Baby can coordinate reflexes and posture for drinking.
- 12 Months: Baby can drink from straw cup or bottle.
- 15-18 Months: Baby can use a regular straw for drinking.
Tips for Introducing Straws
Once your baby is ready to start drinking from a straw on his own, there are a few tips you can use to help make the transition easier:
- Start with thick liquids that your baby is used to drinking from a cup, such as smoothies or yogurt.
- For a bottle, fit the straw tightly for a slow flow.
- For a cup, dip the straw in the liquid to encourage your baby to take a sip.
- Make sure the straw is soft and flexible for easy sipping.
- Try to offer the cup with the straw every day, even if your baby does not want to take a sip.
Once your baby is comfortable drinking from a straw, it’s a great learning opportunity that will help him/her develop healthy drinking habits for the future!