Baby Refusing Sippy Cup
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rachel Kim, MD, RDN · Pediatric Nutrition Specialist
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC, AAP guidelines
Last reviewed:
Feeding challenges are one of the most common concerns new parents face. When it comes to baby refusing sippy cup, here is what the guidelines recommend.
The short answer
Many babies are initially uninterested in or resistant to sippy cups, and that is completely normal. The key is finding the right type of cup for your baby and offering it consistently without pressure. Some babies skip traditional sippy cups entirely and do better with straw cups or open cups with handles. There is no single cup that works for every baby, so trying a few different styles is often the solution.
Key takeaways
- Many babies are initially uninterested in or resistant to sippy cups, and that is completely normal. The key is finding the right type of cup for your baby and offering it consistently without pressure. Some babies skip traditional sippy cups entirely and do better with straw cups or open cups with handles. There is no single cup that works for every baby, so trying a few different styles is often the solution.
- Usually normal when: Your 6 to 9 month old plays with the cup but does not drink much from it yet
- Call your doctor if: Your baby aspirates (inhales liquid into the lungs) when drinking, causing coughing, choking, or a wet-sounding voice
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, for 2 years or beyond.”
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, CDC guidelines, many babies are initially uninterested in or resistant to sippy cups, and that is completely normal. The key is finding the right type of cup for your baby and offering it consistently without pressure. Some babies skip traditional sippy cups entirely and do better with straw cups or open cups with handles. There is no single cup that works for every baby, so trying a few different styles is often the solution. At 6-9 months, this is a good time to begin introducing a cup, but do not expect your baby to be proficient right away. Start with water in an open cup with a small amount of liquid, or try a straw cup. Many feeding therapists actually recommend skipping traditional spouted sippy cups and going straight to straw cups or open cups, as they promote better oral motor development. Let your baby explore the cup at meals without any pressure to drink. It is generally considered normal when your 6 to 9 month old plays with the cup but does not drink much from it yet. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby aspirates (inhales liquid into the lungs) when drinking, causing coughing, choking, or a wet-sounding voice.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
6-9 months
This is a good time to begin introducing a cup, but do not expect your baby to be proficient right away. Start with water in an open cup with a small amount of liquid, or try a straw cup. Many feeding therapists actually recommend skipping traditional spouted sippy cups and going straight to straw cups or open cups, as they promote better oral motor development. Let your baby explore the cup at meals without any pressure to drink.
9-12 months
Most babies can learn to drink from a straw cup or open cup with practice at this age. If your baby has been refusing a traditional sippy cup, try a different style. Some babies dislike the hard spout of a sippy cup but readily take a soft silicone straw or a 360 cup. Offer the cup at every meal and snack time so it becomes part of the routine. Put breast milk or formula in the cup occasionally instead of just water to increase interest.
12-18 months
This is the ideal window to transition from bottles to cups. If your baby is still resisting, try letting them pick out their own cup, modeling cup drinking yourself, or offering their favorite drink in the cup while giving only water in the bottle. Some families find success with going cold turkey on the bottle, which usually leads to acceptance of the cup within a few days after some initial protest.
18 months - 3 years
Most toddlers can drink well from an open cup with some spilling by 18 to 24 months. If your toddler is still struggling with all cup types, consider whether there might be an oral motor issue. Some children have difficulty with the coordination needed for straw drinking or cup drinking and may benefit from a brief evaluation by a feeding therapist.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed baby refusing sippy cup and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby is over 12 months and refuses all types of cups, making the bottle-to-cup transition very difficult.
- Mention if your baby chokes or coughs frequently when attempting to drink from any cup, which may suggest a swallowing issue.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your 6 to 9 month old plays with the cup but does not drink much from it yet
- Your baby prefers one type of cup over another and refuses certain styles
- Your baby drinks small amounts from a cup at meals but still gets most milk from a breast or bottle
- Your toddler spills frequently when using an open cup
- Your baby is over 12 months and refuses all types of cups, making the bottle-to-cup transition very difficult
- Your baby chokes or coughs frequently when attempting to drink from any cup, which may suggest a swallowing issue
- Your toddler is over 18 months and cannot drink from any cup despite regular practice
- Your baby aspirates (inhales liquid into the lungs) when drinking, causing coughing, choking, or a wet-sounding voice
- Your child is refusing all liquids from any source and showing signs of dehydration
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice baby refusing sippy cup — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your 6 to 9 month old plays with the cup but does not drink much from it yet — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 6-9 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Offer feeding in a calm, distraction-free environment. Avoid forcing or pressuring your baby to eat.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your baby aspirates (inhales liquid into the lungs) when drinking, causing coughing, choking, or a wet-sounding voice.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Feeding & Nutrition Guide
Complete guide to breastfeeding, formula feeding, and solid food introduction.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is baby refusing sippy cup normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby refusing sippy cup?
When is baby refusing sippy cup normal?
What causes baby refusing sippy cup?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby refusing sippy cup?
Is baby refusing sippy cup normal at 6-9 months?
Is baby refusing sippy cup normal at 9-12 months?
Should I go to the ER for baby refusing sippy cup?
Does baby refusing sippy cup go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Refusing Sippy Cup.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed baby refusing sippy cup and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby is over 12 months and refuses all types of cups, making the bottle-to-cup transition very difficult.
- Mention if your baby chokes or coughs frequently when attempting to drink from any cup, which may suggest a swallowing issue.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your baby is over 12 months and refuses all types of cups, making the bottle-to-cup transition very difficult
- Your baby chokes or coughs frequently when attempting to drink from any cup, which may suggest a swallowing issue
- Your toddler is over 18 months and cannot drink from any cup despite regular practice
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby aspirates (inhales liquid into the lungs) when drinking, causing coughing, choking, or a wet-sounding voice
- Your child is refusing all liquids from any source and showing signs of dehydration
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of baby refusing sippy cup are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby aspirates (inhales liquid into the lungs) when drinking, causing coughing, choking, or a wet-sounding voice.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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