When Is My Baby Ready for an Open Cup?
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rachel Kim, MD, RDN · Pediatric Nutrition Specialist
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Feeding challenges are one of the most common concerns new parents face. When it comes to when is my baby ready for an open cup, here is what the guidelines recommend.
The short answer
Most babies can begin practicing with a small open cup around six months of age, when they start solids. Early attempts will be messy, and that is completely expected. Open cups are recommended over sippy cups by most feeding therapists because they promote better oral motor development and are easier to transition to long term.
Key takeaways
- Most babies can begin practicing with a small open cup around six months of age, when they start solids. Early attempts will be messy, and that is completely expected. Open cups are recommended over sippy cups by most feeding therapists because they promote better oral motor development and are easier to transition to long term.
- Usually normal when: Your baby spills frequently when first learning to use an open cup, especially before 12 months
- Call your doctor if: Your baby chokes severely on liquids and turns blue or cannot breathe
- 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, most babies can begin practicing with a small open cup around six months of age, when they start solids. Early attempts will be messy, and that is completely expected. Open cups are recommended over sippy cups by most feeding therapists because they promote better oral motor development and are easier to transition to long term. At 3-6 months, before six months, babies get all their liquid from breastmilk or formula and do not need supplemental water or cup practice. Around six months, as you introduce solids, you can begin offering a few sips of water from a small open cup held by a caregiver. Expect most of the water to dribble out, and keep the amounts tiny. It is generally considered normal when your baby spills frequently when first learning to use an open cup, especially before 12 months. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby chokes severely on liquids and turns blue or cannot breathe.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
3-6 months
Before six months, babies get all their liquid from breastmilk or formula and do not need supplemental water or cup practice. Around six months, as you introduce solids, you can begin offering a few sips of water from a small open cup held by a caregiver. Expect most of the water to dribble out, and keep the amounts tiny.
6-12 months
This is the ideal window to introduce an open cup. Start by holding a small cup to your baby's lips and tipping it gently. Over time, your baby will begin to reach for and hold the cup independently. Many babies can take several sips from an assisted open cup by nine months. Straw cups are also a good option during this stage, as they promote a more mature swallowing pattern than sippy cups.
12-24 months
By 12 to 15 months, many toddlers can independently drink from a small open cup with some spilling. By 18 to 24 months, most toddlers can drink from an open cup with minimal spills. If your toddler is still exclusively using bottles or sippy cups, now is a good time to actively practice open cup skills at meals. The AAP recommends weaning from bottles by 12 to 15 months.
24-36 months
Most toddlers should be proficient with an open cup by this age. If your child still strongly resists or cannot manage an open cup, it may be worth mentioning to your pediatrician, as difficulty drinking from a cup can sometimes indicate oral motor challenges that benefit from evaluation.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed when is my baby ready for an open 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 coughs or chokes frequently when taking sips from any cup after multiple weeks of practice.
- Mention if your toddler over 18 months shows no interest in or ability to use any type of cup.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby spills frequently when first learning to use an open cup, especially before 12 months
- Your baby takes only tiny sips at a time and loses interest quickly
- Your baby alternates between wanting the cup and pushing it away during the learning phase
- Your toddler has some spills even after months of practice, since full cup proficiency often takes until age two or beyond
- Your baby coughs or chokes frequently when taking sips from any cup after multiple weeks of practice
- Your toddler over 18 months shows no interest in or ability to use any type of cup
- Your child seems to have difficulty controlling liquids in their mouth and frequently loses liquid out the sides
- Your toddler exclusively drinks from a bottle past 15 months despite consistent cup practice
- Your baby chokes severely on liquids and turns blue or cannot breathe
- Your baby seems unable to swallow liquids and liquid consistently comes out of the nose
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice when is my baby ready for an open cup — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your baby spills frequently when first learning to use an open cup, especially before 12 months — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 3-6 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 chokes severely on liquids and turns blue or cannot breathe.
Related Resources
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 when is my baby ready for an open cup normal?
When should I call the doctor about when is my baby ready for an open cup?
When is when is my baby ready for an open cup normal?
What causes when is my baby ready for an open cup?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about when is my baby ready for an open cup?
Is when is my baby ready for an open cup normal at 3-6 months?
Is when is my baby ready for an open cup normal at 6-12 months?
Should I go to the ER for when is my baby ready for an open cup?
Does when is my baby ready for an open cup go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Recommended Drinks for Children Age 5 and Younger. HealthyChildren.org, 2024. AAP
- [2]American Academy of Pediatrics. Discontinuing the Bottle. HealthyChildren.org, 2022. AAP
- [3]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infant and Toddler Nutrition: Foods and Drinks for 6 to 24 Month Olds. CDC
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss When Is My Baby Ready for an Open Cup?.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed when is my baby ready for an open 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 coughs or chokes frequently when taking sips from any cup after multiple weeks of practice.
- Mention if your toddler over 18 months shows no interest in or ability to use any type of cup.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your baby coughs or chokes frequently when taking sips from any cup after multiple weeks of practice
- Your toddler over 18 months shows no interest in or ability to use any type of cup
- Your child seems to have difficulty controlling liquids in their mouth and frequently loses liquid out the sides
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby chokes severely on liquids and turns blue or cannot breathe
- Your baby seems unable to swallow liquids and liquid consistently comes out of the nose
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 when is my baby ready for an open cup are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby chokes severely on liquids and turns blue or cannot breathe.
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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