How to Teach a Baby to Use a Straw

By 9 to 12 months, most babies develop the ability to drink through a straw, according to certified speech language pathologist Megan-Lynette Richmond, with Super Duper Handy Handouts. It may take practice and effort before your baby masters this skill, but with positive encouragement, your child should be able to drink through a straw in no time.

Things You'll Need

  • Standard straw
  • Scissors
  • Cup
  • Beverage
  • Straw cup

Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the straw in half to make it easier for your child to learn the process, advises certified speech language patholost Debra C. Lowsky, with ARK Therapeutic Services, Inc. A shorter straw is easier to use and your child won't need to suck as hard to get the liquid.

    • 2

      Fill a cup with a beverage your child enjoys, such as milk, formula or diluted juice. Insert the straw into the beverage and place your finger over the top of the straw to capture a small amount of liquid in the straw.

    • 3

      Transfer the straw to your child̵7;s mouth and slowly ease your finger off the top of the straw to allow the liquid to flow into your little one̵7;s mouth. Although your baby won̵7;t be sucking the straw, this teaches her that straws are for drinking. Repeat the process a few times.

    • 4

      Modify the exercise by encouraging your baby to put his mouth around the straw when you put it in his mouth. With his mouth closed around the straw instead of just open to receive the liquid, it̵7;s likely that he will suck on it unconsciously. When you note sucking action, release the liquid with your finger. Repeat this several times to practice the sucking skill.

    • 5

      Place the straw directly into the cup and help your baby place his mouth on the straw to learn how to suck liquid up through it independently.

    • 6

      Offer your baby water or other beverages in a special straw cup to provide ongoing practice with a straw. Once she understands the process, she should become adept at using a straw for drinking.

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