Drinking from a cup

Why it matters

Learning to drink from an open cup is an important life skill that helps your child be more independent.

1. Choose a Suitable Cup

• Pick a small, light cup that’s easy to hold.
• A soft or silicone edge is gentler on the child’s teeth.
• Only put a little bit of drink in the cup at first.
• Extra features like handles or weighted bottoms can help, but they aren’t essential.

2. Help Your Child Sit Properly

• Make sure your child is sitting upright with feet, knees and hips supported.
• Keep the cup directly in front of them.
• Sit opposite them so they can watch and copy you.

3. Easy Ways to Practise

• Begin with thicker drinks (like smoothies or yoghurt drinks) because they spill more slowly.
• Use very small amounts of liquid.
• If needed, help guide the cup by putting your hands over theirs.
• Gently touch the cup to their lips to help them close their lips around it.
• Show them how it’s done - take a sip and make an “Ahhh!” sound.
• Your child might spill the drink, that’s ok - keep practice short, calm and enjoyable.

4. Building skills through play:

Fun activities that help:

• Pouring water
• Scooping with small cups
• Pretend tea parties
• Playing with cups using dolls or teddies
• Water play using jugs and cups

5. Build Oral-motor (Mouth movements) Skills

Try:

• Blowing bubbles
• Blowing cotton balls across a table

Quick Tips

• Start with thick liquids.
• Use a small, lightweight cup.
• Help your child sit upright.
• Practise in a fun, low‑pressure way.

Spills are part of learning.