How to Teach a Baby or Child to Drink from a Straw (and the Best Cups to Use)

Learning to drink from a straw is an essential skill for babies and young children, supporting oral motor development, hydration, and independence at mealtimes. As a feeding therapist, I often recommend introducing straw drinking as an alternative to sippy cups, which can sometimes impede proper oral development. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best methods for teaching your baby or child to drink from a straw and recommend the best cups to support their learning process.

Why Straw Drinking is Important

Drinking from a straw encourages proper tongue retraction, lip closure, and cheek activation—skills essential for advancing feeding abilities. Unlike sippy cups, which encourage a more immature sucking pattern, straw cups support more advanced oral motor development. Many children benefit from transitioning to a straw between 6 to 9 months of age, or as soon as they have the oral skills to manage it.

When to Start Teaching Straw Drinking

Most babies are ready to start learning to drink from a straw between 6-9 months of age. If your child has a history of feeding difficulties, low muscle tone, or delayed oral motor skills, you may need additional support and patience in the process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Straw Drinking

1. Start with a Small Amount of Liquid

Begin by using a cup with a short, narrow straw and filling it with just a small amount of liquid to minimize spills and frustration.

2. Use the “Straw Dipping” Method

One of the easiest ways to introduce straw drinking is by using a method called straw dipping:

1. Dip the straw into a liquid (breast milk, formula, or water) and place your finger over the top to trap the liquid inside.

2. Bring the straw to your baby’s mouth and let a small amount of liquid drip onto their lips or tongue.

3. As your baby gets the taste of the liquid, they may start to suck naturally.

4. Repeat this process until your baby begins to suck the liquid from the straw on their own.

3. Try the “Straw Trainer” Method

Certain cups are specifically designed to help babies learn to drink from a straw. These cups often feature a valve or squeezable reservoir that allows parents to help initiate the flow of liquid, making it easier for babies to learn. (See the recommendations below!)

4. Model Straw Drinking

Babies learn by watching! Demonstrate straw drinking yourself so your baby can visually understand how it works. Some parents find success in letting their child “copy” them while drinking from their own straw cup.

5. Offer Frequent Opportunities and Be Patient

It can take a few tries before your baby catches on. Offer the straw cup consistently during mealtimes, and celebrate small successes to keep the learning process positive.

Choosing the Right Straw Cup

The ideal straw cup for teaching straw drinking should:

• Have a narrow diameter straw to control liquid flow and reduce choking risk.

• Provide easy suction to help children succeed without excessive effort.

• Be easy to clean and safe for frequent use.

Recommended Straw Cups

Here are some highly effective straw cups that support oral motor development:

1. Olababy Clear View Silicone Training Cup with Straw Lid This squeezable cup with a narrow straw allows caregivers to gently help babies learn to suck liquid through a straw by covering the small hole on the top and squeezing a small amount of liquid when the child brings the straw to their mouth.

   
   

   

   ⭐ Best for early learnersTransparent silicone cup allows you to see how much your child has had to drink.

   
   

2. ARK's Honey Bear with Valve – This therapy-designed cup includes a special valve that keeps liquid at the top of the straw, reducing the effort needed to suck. This feature is particularly helpful for children who are new to straw drinking or have weak oral motor skills.

⭐ Best for new learners with poor suction

3. Dr. Brown’s Baby’s First Straw Cup: This cup features a weighted straw, making it easier for babies to sip no matter what angle they hold the cup. It’s leak-proof and perfect for encouraging independent drinking.

📸

⭐ Best for easy transition

4.ezpz Mini Cup + Straw Training System - 9 Months+ This sup is designed by feeding experts to promote proper tongue and jaw positioning. It’s made of soft silicone, making it gentle on gums while helping little ones master straw drinking.

⭐ Best for oral motor development

5. Munchkin Click Lock Weighted Straw Cup This cup has a weighted straw so your child can drink from any angle. It’s also spill-proof, making it a great option for travel or daycare.

⭐ Best for on-the-go use

Common Challenges and Solutions

🔹 Baby is chewing on the straw instead of drinkingTry a firmer straw or use a cup with a shorter straw to encourage sucking rather than biting.

🔹 Baby refuses to drink from a strawGive it time! Some babies take longer to adjust. You can also try different liquids (e.g., diluted juice) to make it more enticing.

🔹 Too much liquid comes out at onceIf your baby is struggling with too much flow, start with a trainer cup that allows controlled liquid release.

Final Thoughts

Introducing straw drinking is a great way to support your child’s oral motor development while making mealtimes easier and more independent. Using the right method—and the best straw cups—can make the process smoother for both parents and babies.