Quick Answer

Start open-cup drinking with a tiny, open cup—like the ezpz Baby-Led Tiny Cup—as soon as your baby sits upright and shows interest in your cup. Offer small sips during meals, expect spills, and let your baby practice with a few tablespoons of liquid at a time.

Introducing an open cup is a key step in your baby's self-feeding journey, and it's easier than you might think. Even before their first birthday, most babies can learn to sip from a tiny open cup with practice and patience.

The baby-led tiny cup approach focuses on giving your baby a small, manageable cup that fits their hands, so they can explore drinking independently. In this guide, you'll learn a step-by-step method to teach your 6-12 month old to drink from an open cup, plus common mistakes to avoid.

Why Start Open-Cup Drinking at 6-12 Months?

Starting open-cup drinking between 6 and 12 months supports your baby's oral motor development and helps them learn to swallow liquids safely. Unlike bottles or sippy cups, an open cup encourages your baby to use their lips and tongue in a more mature way, which can aid speech development later.

Introducing an open cup early also makes the transition to independent drinking smoother. Babies who practice with a tiny cup from around 6 months often skip the sippy cup stage altogether, reducing the need to wean them off a spout later.

  • Wait until your baby can sit upright with minimal support and shows interest in reaching for your cup.

Choosing the Right Tiny Cup

The right cup makes all the difference. A tiny, open cup—like the Baby-Led Tiny Cup from ezpz—is designed specifically for small hands. Its short, wide base helps your baby grip it easily, and because it's made of food-grade silicone, it's soft on gums and safe to chew.

Avoid cups with valves, spouts, or complex lids for now; they teach a different drinking pattern. The goal is to let your baby sip directly from the rim, so keep it simple.

  • Choose a cup that holds just a few tablespoons of liquid to minimize mess and reduce the risk of choking.

Step-by-Step: Introducing the Open Cup

  1. Step 1: Offer a Tiny Open Cup with a Few Sips: Start by placing 1-2 tablespoons of expressed milk, formula, or water in the tiny cup. Hold the cup for your baby at first, tilting it slightly so the liquid just touches their lips. Let them take a sip and swallow before offering more. Don't pour the liquid in—just let your baby sip at their own pace.
  2. Step 2: Let Your Baby Hold the Cup (or Try): Once your baby seems comfortable, let them wrap their hands around the cup while you guide it. The cup's short, wide shape makes it easy for small hands to grip. Expect wobbles and spills—that's normal learning. Keep your hand under the cup to catch spills, but let your baby have control.
  3. Step 3: Practice at Mealtimes: Incorporate the cup into every meal. Offer it after your baby has eaten a bit, so they're not too hungry or full. Use a small amount of liquid (about 1-2 ounces) to reduce mess and frustration. Consistency beats perfection—short, frequent practice sessions work best.
  4. Step 4: Gradually Reduce Your Support: As your baby's grip improves, let go with one finger, then completely. Guide their hands to the cup's sides, and help them practice bringing it to their mouth. Stay close and supervise at all times. Celebrate small successes—like getting the cup to their mouth—even if they spill.
  5. Step 5: Handle Spills Gracefully: Spills are part of the process. Keep a towel or bib handy, and consider using a splash mat under the highchair. Avoid reacting negatively; instead, calmly wipe up and continue. Your calm attitude teaches your baby that drinking is a positive experience.
  6. Step 6: Build Up to More Liquid: Over several weeks, gradually increase the amount of liquid in the cup from 2 to 3-4 tablespoons. By 12 months, your baby may be able to drink from an open cup with minimal spills. If your baby loses interest, take a break and try again later—they'll let you know when they're ready.

Product Facts: Baby-Led Tiny Cup

Introducing open-cup drinking with a baby-led tiny cup is a rewarding milestone for both you and your baby. With patience, practice, and the right tools, your little one will be sipping independently in no time. Remember to offer plenty of encouragement and embrace the mess—it's all part of learning.