Babies can begin drinking from a straw as early as six months of age, although it's important to note that every baby is different and learning to drink from a straw may take varying amounts of time. It's generally recommended to introduce a strawęÆ to your baby when they are developmentally ready, which can be as early as six months, although some parents prefer to start with an open cup and then transition to a straw cup after a month or two.
A straw cup with a thin, short straw and no valve on the lid, and made from BPA-free and dishwasher-safe materials, such as the ezpz Mini Cup and Straw Training System or the Lollaland weighted straw cup, are recommended for your baby's safety and convenience.
To teach your baby to drink from a straw, demonstrations that show the procedure are effective. You can take a sip from the straw yourself, make exaggerated sounds to pique your baby's curiosity, and show enthusiasm and excitement to make it a fun experience. Then, sit face-to-face with your baby and gently guide the straw to their lips. Gradually bring the straw to the middle of their mouth and encourage them to suck by making a "fishy face."
During the teaching process, if your baby is having trouble getting the hang of the straw cup, try using a squeezable straw cup. When your baby puts their mouth to the straw, gently squeeze the bottle to release the liquid and allow a tiny bit to enter their mouth. As your baby learns to drink from the straw, gradually reduce the assistance you provide until they are comfortable holding the cup on their own.
Overall, by following these tips and encouraging your baby to practice drinking from the straw, they are likely to successfully learn to drink from a straw cup by around 12 months of age.
