Sippy Cup Issues - Alpharetta,GA

Updated on March 17, 2010
F.W. asks from Alpharetta, GA
9 answers

My 22 month old son has been using a straw sippy cup ever since he stopped taking a bottle. He is now getting his molars and has chewed through the straw of every cup that we have, so obviously something else needs to be done. I bought some "normal" sippy cups, and he's just not getting it. He's usually pretty quick on things, but isn't grasping that he has to hold his arms up, gets frustrated, and cries until we essentially hold it like a baby bottle. Are there any particular cups that anyone has had good luck with, that perhaps don't have to be turned up so high, and aren't chewable? Thanks!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.

answers from Spartanburg on

We've used the "take and toss" straw cups for the past 2 years. They're in a 5 pack for like $3. Each comes with a plastic straw, which were quickly chewed, so I use disposable flex straws. They fit perfect and are cheap. They're not completely spill proof, but as long as it's not on it's side for 10 minutes, you only lose a few drops. And they are normal cups when you take the lid off, so he can always practice for a few minutes, then put the top back on when you can't handle the spills.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.D.

answers from Atlanta on

Have you tried those insulated straw sippers with the highly elastic-plastic straws? Maybe it would withstand and they aren't that "tall" from the container.

I use the Take-N-Toss brand cups b/c I get 4 for $2.50 and can toss them when my son chews too much. They aren't very durable to chewing, but I keep the cup bottom and my daughter uses them for normal cups. The Dollar Tree sells them too at 4 for a $1.

Keep at it and things will improve:)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.K.

answers from Atlanta on

If you get the munchkin straw cups, with the flip top cover, you can get replacement straws. My son chews through them too, so I ordered replacements online. I think sticking with the straw cups is better than switching to sippy cups because it's more natural to drink from a straw - we don't tip our heads back and lift our arms up when we drink! Also, our speech therapist solely recommends straw cups to promote proper mouth position to prepare for talking. Hope this helps...

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.M.

answers from Augusta on

I, too, think a regular cup. At least some times. It would help him get the idea that, if he tips it up, his drink will come out. Maybe give it to him in the bath or when you're getting ready to give him a bath since he'll probably dump it all over for a while. My daughter LOVES drinking out of our clear drinking glasses, with help of course. Once he get's the idea that, by tipping the glass up, he'll get something to drink, he may be more willing to try a sippy cup where he has to work a little more for the liquid. We also use NUK brand sippy cups. The tops are completely soft and very bottle like, but this may be a step back from what you're trying to accomplish. They aren't everywhere, but I've found them at Walmart. Hope the teething passes soon!

E.K.

answers from Atlanta on

With my son, he bit through all of the sippies that had the rubber tops... We thought we'd never get him to take regular sippy cups. We'd tried for weeks to get him to drink from the plastic ones. And we tried everything! Well, one day we're going through the store, and I'm going down the aisle where the sippy cups are. So I got my son out of the cart and I held him in front of all the sippy cups (the ones with the plastic tops), and let him pick his own cup. It took him a few minutes, but he finally found one he wanted (I think he wanted it mostly for the Clifford the Big Red Dog that was on the cup). The cup only lasted about 6 months before it started leaking, but I refused to complain. After that Clifford sippy cup, my son will now drink from any cup!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.S.

answers from Atlanta on

We LOVE the Tommee Tippee at our house. A friend of mine from overseas told me about them, and they recently began selling them at Babies R Us and One Step Ahead.

They are easy to clean, chew proof and spill proof without crazy suction, so they are less likely to cause ear infections. They are designed around the premise of teaching kids to sip from a cup without a lid. It took my son a minute to get drinking from a sippy rather than a straw cup, but don't worry. I know it is frustrating and sometimes feels like a step backwards, but, with a little persistence, he will catch on. Hope this helps!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

Maybe you can buy a pack of disposable straws and stick those in the cup, since he is going to chew through them anyway.... will that work?

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.A.

answers from Atlanta on

Get the Munchkin straw cups with the soft straw tips. They also supply replacement straw tops online either on their website or on Amazon. My son uses both sippy cups and straw cups and has become proficient in both. Straw cups are much better for speech development at your son's age anyway, as sippy cups promote the tongue to thrust forward and straws provide a good workout for tongue, cheek, and lip muscles. I'd stick with the straw cups and get replacement straws when needed or get the soft straws that are chew-proof. If you're worried about him learning how to use a regular open cup, you can help him practice drinking from one when he's naked or in the tub.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.W.

answers from Philadelphia on

What are you giving him for his teething issues? Hylands teething tablets are good. Give him some baby motrin or tylenol also. He may get fustrated but he will figure it out. If you are doing it for him then he will not learn it for himself. My son did well with the playtex sippy cups with the handles on the sides.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions