Straw Drinking

Introducing a straw to your baby can be an exciting and beneficial step in their development, as it encourages different oral motor skills and aids in the transition to sippy cups and regular cups. Typically, you can start introducing a straw around 6 to 9 months of age, but every baby is unique, and it's essential to observe their readiness for this skill. Here are some guidelines on when and how to introduce a straw, along with activities to promote straw drinking:

When to Introduce a Straw:

1. Around 6-9 Months: Start offering a straw to your baby when they begin to show an interest in holding objects and bringing them to their mouths.
2. Signs of Readiness: Look for signs that your baby is ready for straw drinking, such as good head control, ability to sit with support, and showing interest in reaching for objects.

10 Activities to Promote Straw Drinking
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Straw Introduction:

• Begin by using a soft, flexible straw for easier manipulation. You can find baby-friendly straw cups designed for this purpose.
• Allow your baby to explore the straw with their hands and mouth before introducing liquids.

Piping liquids:

• Fill the straw with a small amount of breast milk, formula, or water.  Hold your finger on one end of the straw.
• Gently place the straw in your baby's mouth and encourage them to suck. Initially, you may need to gently squeeze the liquid into their mouth to help them understand the concept.

Use a Straw Cup:

• Transition to a straw cup designed for infants. Look for cups with spill-proof straw designs to minimize mess.
• Hold the cup for your baby initially, gradually encouraging them to hold it themselves.

Temperature Considerations:

• Ensure the liquid is at a suitable temperature, not too hot or too cold, to make the experience comfortable for your baby.

Model Straw Drinking:

• Demonstrate straw drinking by taking sips from a straw cup yourself. Babies often learn by watching and imitating.

Gradual Progression:

• Begin with a small amount of liquid and gradually increase as your baby becomes more comfortable with straw drinking.

Positive Reinforcement:

• Celebrate and praise your baby when they successfully take sips from the straw. Positive reinforcement creates a positive association with the new skill.

Experiment with Flavors:

• Introduce different flavors to make straw drinking more interesting. You can try diluted fruit juices (if age-appropriate) or flavored water.

Honey Bear Feeders:

• This is a specialize cup that facilitates straw drinking.  You squeeze the cup and the liquid is piped into the straw.  Follow the link at the end of the blog for more information and where to find them.

Honey Bear Feeder

Remember that introducing new skills, including straw drinking, is a process that varies for each baby. If you have concerns or if your baby seems to be struggling with straw drinking, consult with a feeding specialist for guidance and support.