How to Help Your Baby Take a Sippy Cup: Straw Bottle Tips

By Babies R Us Australia | Published: 2026-11-02

Category: How-to Guides

A step-by-step guide to introducing a sippy cup and teaching your baby to drink from a straw, including common mistakes and checkpoints for a smoother transition from bottle to cup.

Quick answer

Start with a straw cup during a calm, seated feed, model the sip yourself, and let your baby practice little sips before offering it as a full replacement for bottles. Keep sessions short and pressure-free, and check that the straw flows easily.

Why a straw cup can be easier than a spout cup

Straw cups let your baby sip while sitting more upright, and they don’t require tipping the cup back like a spout cup. That can make the first tries less messy and more intuitive for some babies. However, straws still need practice—your baby has to learn to seal lips and coordinate suction, so expect a few dribbles at first.

When to start and when to wait

Most babies are ready to practice with a cup around 6 months, when they can sit with support and show interest in what you’re drinking. If your baby is younger or still mostly bottle-feeding, treat cup time as play, not nutrition. Always check with your child health nurse or doctor if you’re unsure about readiness, especially for babies born early.

Steps to introduce a straw bottle

1. Pick a calm, seated moment: Offer the straw cup when your baby is alert and not overly hungry—midway between feeds often works. Sit them upright or with support, and keep the session to a few minutes. Avoid offering the cup when your baby is frantic for a bottle; they’re more likely to get frustrated.
2. Show the straw action: Take a sip from the straw yourself, then hold the cup so the straw rests near your baby’s lips. Let them explore the straw with their mouth before expecting a drink. Don’t push the straw in; let your baby mouth it and discover the flow.
3. Try a little suction assist: If your baby doesn’t suck yet, place your finger over the top of the straw (or use a valve-free straw) to trap a tiny drop, then release it into their mouth. This shows cause and effect. Use only a few drops—too much liquid can startle a new sipper.
4. Keep practice short and positive: End after a few sips or even just mouthing, and praise the effort. Offer the cup at the same time each day to build routine. Stop before your baby gets upset; short, happy sessions beat long ones.
5. Check the straw and cup regularly: Before each use, inspect the straw for cracks or blockages and ensure all parts are clean and dry. Replace worn parts promptly. A straw that’s hard to suck through will discourage your baby—test it yourself first.

Product facts

Skip Hop Zoo PP Straw Bottle - Bee: Designed for babies and toddlers aged 0 to 3 years, with a straw for easy drinking. The wide age range means the same cup can grow with your baby from first sips to toddlerhood, but always supervise and check the straw for wear.
Skip Hop Zoo PP Straw Bottle - Bee