Which cup tp choose? Open cups are best

 

It is recommended that you teach your baby to drink from an open cup as soon as possible. 

Why are open cups BEST?

  • Best for your child’s teeth. They do not have the same risks for cavities.
  • Easier to clean
  • No adjustment to another cup, as an open cup is the end goal
  • Help to teach hand-eye coordination


But what about cups with lids?
These are called training cups. These cups may have spouts or straws. Many parents like them because they do not leak or make as many messes. However, the American Dental Association does not recommend training cups.

Training cup concerns:

  • May be difficult to clean and can easily become moldy
  • Cups with valves require a sucking motion similar to that of a bottle or breast
  • The transition from a training cup with a valve to an open cup can be slower
  • Can cause cavities
  • Are more at risk for a baby to chew holes into
  • May fill your baby up on liquids instead of whole foods