How & when to introduce a cup

[Excerpt from Simply Baby: An invaluable quick reference to infants]

• At 6-7 months of age, parents can introduce a “sippy” cup. Some infants do not take well to the cup, but try and try again. Parents can try using a regular cup, taking the valve out, or using a straw.
• Around 10-12 months of age, start eliminating bottles progressively during feedings, substituting with a cup. Trying to eliminate bottles past that age can be done but it is more difficult.
• Parents can start with removing one bottle every few days or one every week, leaving the night bottle for last.
• Since they may not drink very much at a sitting (only an ounce or two), a cup must be offered at least 2-3 times more frequently than the bottle.
• Bottles should be eliminated by 15 months of age because toddlers grow very attached, refusing cups and demanding bottles. Tantrums and screaming are likely past 16 months of age.
• At around 14-15 months of age, toddlers become very attached to bottles and “sippy” cups. They will try to take them everywhere.
• Starting at an early age, drinking allowed with certain boundaries - such as only while sitting or only on hard floors - will avoid messes and unnecessary attachments.