Cup Resistance
Sooner or later all children learn to use the cup; however
it is better to get them to do it earlier than later.
The best time is early in the second half of the first
year when babies are more pliable and less resistant
to new things. Still, it is never too late to get your
toddler started on the cup. These tips should help the
more resistant toddler:
1. Go cup shopping together; get your
child to pick her favorite style, color or design. Some
prefer cups with one handle, some two, some like a spout,
others prefer a built in straw. And yet some prefer
to be adult-like and go for the real glass. If you can,
buy several so that your toddler has a choice during
meals. All cups should be non-breakable and with a weighted
bottom to make tipping less likely.
2. Allow your toddler to get acquainted
with her cup; let her use to feed her doll or to fill
and empty in the sink.
3. Always offer your toddler the cup
before the bottle but hold back the pressure. Pour a
small amount of water or her favorite drink at each
meal and place it within reach. If she pushes the cup
away or ignores it, don't force her. Continue with this
no-pressure approach and one day when she is particularly
thirsty or adventurous she may cave in and surprise
you with her first sip.
4. Even if she is resisting the bottle
substitute, you should start cutting back on bottle
feedings. The human body craves liquids and ultimately
your toddler will take them any way she can get them.
Make sure she gets adequate calcium from other sources
such as cheese and full-fat yoghurt if she is drinking
less milk during the weaning process.
5. Dinking from the cup can be a messy
business until your toddler becomes proficient. A large
bib and a plastic sheet or newspapers spread under the
high chair should take care of the spills. Don't make
a fuss about the spills or you might give your toddler
another reason to resist the cup.
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