Transition from a Sippy cup to
a Regular cup

How and when do you recommend transitioning from a sippy cup to a regular open cup?

We begin the transition to an open cup between 18 months and 2 years. The suck mechanics of sippy cups and bottles are very different from that of regular cups. I worry that prolonged sippy cup use could impact a child’s development.
When we start regular cups, at meal times we will set two small glasses for our toddler. We place an empty cup in front of the toddler and fill the second with the 2 to 3 ounces of whole milk and place at the adults place. During the meal, we pour single swallow servings into the child’s cup after the child drinks. In this way, we limit the mess made by spills.

Written February 2011 by
Dr. Gordon, Orlando Pediatrician