My Baby Won't Drink from a Cup
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rachel Kim, MD, RDN · Pediatric Nutrition Specialist
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Feeding challenges are one of the most common concerns new parents face. When it comes to won't drink from a cup, here is what the guidelines recommend.
The short answer
Cup refusal is common, especially if baby is used to bottles or breastfeeding. Most babies can start learning to drink from an open cup or straw cup around 6 months. Patience and repeated exposure are key. Try different cup types, and remember that it is a skill that takes practice.
Key takeaways
- Cup refusal is common, especially if baby is used to bottles or breastfeeding. Most babies can start learning to drink from an open cup or straw cup around 6 months. Patience and repeated exposure are key. Try different cup types, and remember that it is a skill that takes practice.
- Usually normal when: Baby is under 9 months and still learning the skill
- Call your doctor if: Baby is showing signs of dehydration because they refuse all fluids from any source
- 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.”
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, CDC guidelines, cup refusal is common, especially if baby is used to bottles or breastfeeding. Most babies can start learning to drink from an open cup or straw cup around 6 months. Patience and repeated exposure are key. Try different cup types, and remember that it is a skill that takes practice. At 0-3 months, babies this age get all their fluids from breast milk or formula via breast or bottle. Cup drinking is not expected at this stage. It is generally considered normal when baby is under 9 months and still learning the skill. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if baby is showing signs of dehydration because they refuse all fluids from any source.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Babies this age get all their fluids from breast milk or formula via breast or bottle. Cup drinking is not expected at this stage.
4-6 months
Around 6 months, you can start offering small sips of water in an open cup held by you. Baby will likely let most of the water dribble out, and that is completely normal. This is the very beginning of a long learning process.
6-9 months
This is a great time to practice cup drinking with small amounts of water during meals. Offer both open cups and straw cups to see which your baby prefers. Do not worry if baby plays with the cup more than drinks from it. Consistent exposure helps build the skill.
9-12 months
By 12 months, babies should be moving toward cup use. If your baby refuses all cups, try letting them play with an empty cup first, model drinking yourself, and try different cup types. Some babies prefer straw cups while others do better with open cups or 360 cups.
12-24 months
The AAP recommends weaning from bottles by 12-15 months. If your toddler still refuses all cups, try offering their favorite drink in a cup and nothing in a bottle. It may take a few days of adjustment. If your toddler cannot drink from any cup by 18 months, discuss it with your pediatrician.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed won't drink from a cup and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if baby is over 12 months and refuses all cup types despite consistent practice.
- Mention if baby seems unable to coordinate sipping and swallowing from a cup.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Baby is under 9 months and still learning the skill
- Baby plays with the cup and occasionally takes a sip
- Baby prefers one cup type over another
- Baby drinks small amounts from a cup but still prefers bottle or breast for most fluids
- Baby is over 12 months and refuses all cup types despite consistent practice
- Baby seems unable to coordinate sipping and swallowing from a cup
- Baby chokes or coughs every time they try to drink from a cup
- Baby is showing signs of dehydration because they refuse all fluids from any source
- Baby has sudden difficulty swallowing liquids from any vessel
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice won't drink from a cup — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that baby is under 9 months and still learning the skill — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-3 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 baby is showing signs of dehydration because they refuse all fluids from any source.
Related Conditions
Baby Refusing Sippy Cup
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.
My Baby Can't Figure Out How to Use a Straw Cup
Learning to drink from a straw is a new skill that takes practice. Most babies can learn between 6 and 12 months. You can teach by placing a straw in liquid, covering the top to trap liquid, and releasing it into baby's mouth. Some babies learn quickly while others need weeks of practice.
When Should My Baby Switch from Bottle to Cup?
The AAP recommends beginning to introduce cups around 6 months and weaning from bottles by 12-15 months. Prolonged bottle use can lead to tooth decay, excess calorie intake, and delayed oral motor development. Start by replacing one bottle with a cup and gradually replace the rest. The bedtime bottle is typically the last to go.
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 won't drink from a cup normal?
When should I call the doctor about won't drink from a cup?
When is won't drink from a cup normal?
What causes won't drink from a cup?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about won't drink from a cup?
Is won't drink from a cup normal at 0-3 months?
Is won't drink from a cup normal at 4-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for won't drink from a cup?
Does won't drink from a cup go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Won't Drink from a Cup.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed won't drink from a cup and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if baby is over 12 months and refuses all cup types despite consistent practice.
- Mention if baby seems unable to coordinate sipping and swallowing from a cup.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Baby is over 12 months and refuses all cup types despite consistent practice
- Baby seems unable to coordinate sipping and swallowing from a cup
- Baby chokes or coughs every time they try to drink from a cup
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Baby is showing signs of dehydration because they refuse all fluids from any source
- Baby has sudden difficulty swallowing liquids from any vessel
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 won't drink from a cup are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if baby is showing signs of dehydration because they refuse all fluids from any source.
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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Related Feeding Concerns
Baby Refusing Sippy Cup
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.
My Baby Can't Figure Out How to Use a Straw Cup
Learning to drink from a straw is a new skill that takes practice. Most babies can learn between 6 and 12 months. You can teach by placing a straw in liquid, covering the top to trap liquid, and releasing it into baby's mouth. Some babies learn quickly while others need weeks of practice.
When Should My Baby Switch from Bottle to Cup?
The AAP recommends beginning to introduce cups around 6 months and weaning from bottles by 12-15 months. Prolonged bottle use can lead to tooth decay, excess calorie intake, and delayed oral motor development. Start by replacing one bottle with a cup and gradually replace the rest. The bedtime bottle is typically the last to go.
When to Introduce Allergens to Baby
Current guidelines recommend introducing common allergens (peanut, egg, cow's milk products, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame) starting around 4-6 months when your baby is developmentally ready for solids. The landmark LEAP study showed that early introduction of peanuts (by 4-6 months) reduced peanut allergy risk by 80% in high-risk infants. Do not delay allergens - the old advice to wait until 1-3 years has been reversed because early exposure actually prevents allergies.
I'm Worried My Baby Is Aspirating During Feeds
Aspiration means liquid or food enters the airway instead of the stomach. Occasional coughing during feeds is common and does not usually indicate aspiration. True aspiration is less common and may present as recurrent respiratory infections, a wet or gurgly voice after feeds, or chronic cough. If you are concerned, a swallow study can provide a definitive answer.
When Does My Baby Need Amino Acid Formula?
Amino acid-based formulas (also called elemental formulas) are prescribed for babies with severe cow's milk protein allergy, multiple food protein intolerances, or conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis who cannot tolerate standard or extensively hydrolyzed formulas. They are the most hypoallergenic formula available because the proteins are broken down into individual amino acids, making allergic reactions virtually impossible.