Parenting involves such simple decisions of giving sippy cups to babies or not. Had you ever thought are hard spout sippy cups bad for babies and toddlers? I never did! All I cared about was them getting enough fluids. Until I had a conversation with a pediatrician who recommended not to introduce hard spout cups as they can cause speech development delays. Here is another article from speech therapist who recommends using straw cups over hard spout sippy cups.
Table of Contents
- Why are hard spout Sippy cups bad for babies and toddlers?
- Are soft spout or hard spout sippy cups better?
- What kind of sippy cup is best for teeth?
- What cup is best for 1 year old?
- When can a toddler use hard spout sippy cup?
- Safety tips – Sippy cups for babies
Why are hard spout Sippy cups bad for babies and toddlers?
Many pediatricians suggest not using hard spout cups as they can cause delay in speech. And the therapist also says the hard spout sippy cups blocks the child’s tongue to reach the spot making it hard to teach them chewing and swallowing.
During breastfeeding, the mother’s nipples adjusts to babies mouth and when baby starts using sippy cups that has hard spout, the baby’s mouth gets adapted to the sippy cup and the sucking forces that changes which can lead to crooked teeth, facial growth & development and sometimes impact speech issues. And when milk or sugary drinks are given in the sippy cup, it also causes tooth decay.
Are soft spout or hard spout sippy cups better?
Yes. Soft spout with silicone and more flexible in baby’s mouth is a preferred sippy cup over the hard spout. Although, alternately you can introduce a straw cup or a cup directly to drink from instead of a sippy cup as they help a child learn to manage a regular cup without a lid. Are hard spout sippy cups bad? – Yes for safety reasons, hard to clean and not easy to wean makes a hard spout sippy cup bad for babies and toddlers.
Can sippy cup hurt my baby’s teeth? – While you prefer to give water in a sippy cup, it is pretty easy to misuse the sippy cups and give milk or other sugary fluids in the sippy cup which with prolonged use leads to tooth decay. And hard spout sippy cup impacts the teeth denture making the baby’s teeth crooked and uneven.
Related: Use Nutribullet to make baby food/ baby purees.
What kind of sippy cup is best for teeth?
Can sippy cup hurt my baby’s teeth? It is best to choose the sippy cup with a slotted opening that helps babies and toddlers sip instead of suck the fluids. Here are a few mom recommended sippy cups that work best:
- Munchkin 360 degree Cup – This is my favorite and most preferred sippy cups for babies and toddlers. With its spill proof and spout-less design, it makes an easy transition to normal cup for toddlers.
- Hahaland spout and straw cup – A trainer cup that has a silicone spout and a straw that helps with transitioning and is also a spill proof sippy cup recommended for babies and toddlers.
- BBLUV Silicone cup – This spill proof silicone sippy cup is a recommended cup for babies and toddlers with a transitioning straw provided.
- Avent Natural Trainer cup – This is a best sippy cup for breastfed babies with it silicone soft spout and training handles. This also makes a great option for colic babies.
- NUK Learner cup – Another classic recommendation of sippy cups for babies to start with.
- Nuby No-spill grip and sip – With it soft and flexible spout, this makes a great starter cup for babies.
- MAM Sippy cup – With its extra soft spout and spill proof, this sippy cup makes a great option for babies who are exclusively breastfed.
What cup is best for 1 year old?
If possible, introduce a straw or a cup that is almost same as a regular cup which helps with easy transition to regular cup when baby grows. Use a cup that is almost similar to regular cup with sipping capabilities. A straw cup can be another better alternative to a sippy cup for 1 year old.
You can even try giving a regular cup for 1 year old to help them familiarize. And drink with them so they learn to sip from the cup. Experts do not recommend hard spout sippy cups as they are bad for babies teeth. The pushing of the hard spout has the same effect of thumb sucking disorienting the teeth.
When can a toddler use hard spout sippy cup?
Toddlers who are 18 months+ can easily transition to hard spout sippy cup as they graduate from baby to toddler and know how to sip from the cup.
If using sippy cup is inevitable, use it for temporary purpose and make it a quick transition without confusing the child. As parents, we are fascinated to use variety of fancy cups for our babies but lets not forget the fact that there is always weaning involved when you introduce something. Lets listen to the experts say are hard spout sippy cups bad for babies teeth and be prudent with our choices.
Safety tips – Sippy cups for babies
Sippy cups are a popular drinking option for toddlers and young children who are transitioning from bottle feeding to using regular cups. While sippy cups can be a convenient way for children to drink on their own, there are some important safety tips to keep in mind:
- Choose the right sippy cup: Look for a sippy cup that is BPA-free, has a soft spout, and is easy for your child to grip.
- Check for leaks: Make sure the sippy cup is properly sealed and does not leak. This will prevent your child from getting wet or injured.
- Monitor your child: Always supervise your child when they are using a sippy cup to make sure they do not accidentally spill or choke on their drink.
- Clean regularly: Sippy cups should be cleaned regularly to prevent bacteria and mold buildup. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and make sure to clean all parts thoroughly.
- Avoid using at bedtime: Avoid giving your child a sippy cup filled with milk or juice at bedtime, as this can increase the risk of tooth decay.
- Transition to regular cups: Once your child has developed the necessary motor skills and coordination, consider transitioning them to a regular cup. This will help them develop good drinking habits and promote dental health.
By following these safety tips, you can help ensure that your child uses their sippy cup safely and effectively.