Is it ok for my child to use a sippy cup?
As your child switches from the bottle or nursing, you may offer him or her a training, or “sippy”, cup. However, do not let your child constantly sip liquids containing sugar (milk, juices, or soda) because they encourage tooth decay. Only offer these beverages at meal time because chewing food encourages saliva production that will help neutralize acid production. If your child is thirsty between meals, offer water or sugar free liquids such as Crystal Light. Do not let your child carry the sippy cup around, or get in the habit of keeping it in the car or stroller. Again, frequent sips of sugary liquids encourage tooth decay. Also, your child is at risk for trauma if they are allowed to walk around with the cup. Once your child has learned how to sip, they are ready for a regular cup.
As your child switches from the bottle or nursing, you may offer him or her a training, or sippy, cup. However, do not let your child constantly sip liquids containing sugar (milk, juices, or soda) because they encourage tooth decay. Only offer these beverages at meal time because chewing food encourages saliva production that will help neutralize acid production. If your child is thirsty between meals, offer water or sugar free liquids such as Crystal Light. Do not let your child carry the sippy cup around, or get in the habit of keeping it in the car or stroller. Again, frequent sips of sugary liquids encourage tooth decay. Also, your child is at risk for trauma if they are allowed to walk around with the cup. Once your child has learned how to sip, they are ready for a regular cup.
