Open Cup Training: Your Top 10 Questions Answered

Introducing an open cup might seem like a tiny milestone, but it’s actually a big leap in your baby’s development. It supports oromotor skills, independence, and even speech development. But of course, with new skills come new questions. Let’s dive into the top 10 questions parents ask when it’s time to transition from breast or bottle and bring out the open cup!

1. When should I start introducing an open cup?
NHS advice supports introducing an open cup around 6 months. This often surprises parents, which is why they often delay until much later. Around this age, babies typically start solids and develop the coordination and early motor skills needed to bring a cup to their mouths. Don’t worry if it’s messy at first. That’s part of learning, and you'll be helping them improve their mouth muscle strength.

2. Why is drinking from an open cup important?
Drinking from an open cup:

✅ Builds oral motor strength and coordination

✅ Promotes a mature swallow pattern

✅ Supports speech development

✅ Helps prevent picky eating

✅ Promotes and nurtures confidence

✅ Builds confidence & problem-solving skills

3. What kind of cup should I use?
It's best to start with a cup specifically designed for little hands and mouths. This is particularly important as your little one begins to use elbow flexion (hinged movements from the elbow typically used to bring things to their mouth) and perfect their wrist strength and control. Larger cups not built for the purpose can be cumbersome and harder to handle and navigate to the mouth.

We worked with feeding experts and dentists to develop Sippit. It holds a deliberately small volume (35ml). This minimises the overwhelm when the inevitable spills happen. It's made from super-soft, pliable, baby-safe silicone, so it's gentle on developing gums and teeth. Experts also say it's excellent for preemies. The grooves are perfect for little fingers to grip and grasp, and there's a weighted base with grippy nodules to help little ones place it safely back down on the highchair tray or table. The neatest thing about the Sippit is the interior taper, which reduces the angle needed to tilt the cup, making it easier to handle.

4. How do I teach my baby to use an open cup?
One of the simplest and most effective teaching methods is to model the behaviour! Show them how you drink, ideally using the same or a similar cup. Start by placing a small amount of water or milk in the cup—just a sip or two. Hold the cup out towards them as they'll often instinctively reach and grab for it. You can help guide the cup to their mouth and tilt it gently so that they get used to feeling the sensation of the free-flowing liquid. Expect spills and celebrate the attempts. It’s a learning process! 

5. How often should I practice with an open cup?
The same rule applies to almost every other weaning accessory you'll introduce. Repetition is everything, so daily practice is ideal.  Regular exposure to an open cup will build skills and confidence. Aim for 1–2 small “cup sessions” a day at mealtime or snack time. Don't worry if they put food in the cup or dip their utensils in it at first. This is all a normal part of their curiosity and discovery. Persist with modelling, using your own cup, and they'll pick it up in no time.

6. What if my baby just spills or throws the cup?
Again, this is normal. Spilling is part of learning. Throwing, on the other hand, is usually a result of curiosity or testing limits. Keep your reactions neutral and gently place the cup back. A consistent, calm response teaches boundaries. Keep introducing your baby's trainer cup at every mealtime, even if it takes some time for them to get used to it. 

7. How much liquid should I put in the cup?
The Sippit takes the guesswork out of how much! Large volumes can be heavy and overwhelming when spilt. Start small and as your baby becomes more skilled, you can gradually increase the amount.

8. Is water or milk better for open cup practice?
This is a matter of personal preference. It's generally recommended to start with water or milk. While water can be introduced at 6 months, it's also acceptable to offer breast milk or formula in the open cup, especially if the baby is already accustomed to drinking from a bottle. The key is to get the baby used to the sensation and technique of drinking from an open cup. Introducing milk or water is a good way to do that. Always supervise.

9. What if my baby refuses the cup?
It’s okay! Some babies take to it quickly, while others need more time. Stay consistent, offer the cup without pressure, and model the behaviour. Sometimes, watching you drink from a cup is all the encouragement they need. Handily, we sell Sippit in a two-pack, so there's one for you to model at mealtimes. You can also introduce the cup outside of mealtimes and incorporate it into gentle role play to help familiarise them with it.

10. When should I stop bottles completely?
Paediatricians recommend weaning from the bottle by 12 to 18 months. The sooner your baby becomes comfortable with open cups, the smoother this transition will be. Early practice pays off!

Learning to drink from an open cup is a valuable mealtime skill that feeds into other critical developmental milestones. It builds coordination, strengthens oral muscles, and encourages independence. The key? Start early, stay consistent, and celebrate progress—not perfection.