Fine Motor Development for Toddlers Drinking From Cups

A toddler normally has the dexterity to easily control any number of small objects, including a cup. The development of small muscles in the fingers and hands permit a little one to hold and drink from a cup with relative ease, explains MedlinePlus, a website published by the National Institutes of Health. Giving up the bottle in favor of a cup, thanks to more mature fine motor skills, can begin sooner than you may think.

  1. Getting a Head Start

    • The earlier, the better when it comes to practicing self-feeding, advises University of Minnesota Extension. Starting around 12 to 18 months is an ideal age to start the transition from bottle to cup. By this time, a toddler has control over his palms, wrists and fingers, making drinking from a cup both possible and practical. Although every toddler develops fine motor skills at his own pace, most are able to hold a small cup in one hand by the age of 21 months.

    Practicing Cup Use

    • Encouraging your toddler to play with toy cups -- minus the liquids -- can help her refine her fine motor skills as she grasps the cup and pretends to drink from it. Offering your little one a "real" small cup with handles is also a good way to get started. Handles on a cup are akin to training wheels on a bike as they allow your toddler to get the hang of using a cup with an appendage to help steer the cup to her mouth. Making the changeover from bottle to cup doesn't have to be as abrupt as flipping a light switch. Bottles can be eliminated little by little starting with meals, recommends KidsHealth.org, a website published by the Nemours Foundation.

    Minimizing Spills

    • Sippy cups can help lower the risk of spills, although your toddler may decide to open the top now that he has the fine motor skills to do so. Nevertheless, sippy cups can provide a viable stepping stone to a regular cup. Once you make the switch to a cup, give your little one as many opportunities as possible to practice using it. Stand by with a washcloth or paper towel and a helping hand to guide the cup in the right direction if he's not paying attention and is getting more milk or juice on the floor than in his mouth.

    Recommendations

    • Don't let your toddler get in the habit of carrying around a sippy cup as she would a security blanket. She may end up drinking more water, juice or milk than she needs while increasing the risk of tooth decay, cautions HealthyChildren.org, the official website of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Your toddler only needs liquids with meals or snacks and when she's genuinely thirsty. Remember to offer your toddler plenty of encouragement and praise to help offset any frustration as she gets the hang of using a cup.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Things to Do in Peoria, IL With Your Children
      Peoria, Illinois, is the world headquarters for Caterpillar Inc. and is home to "the worlds most beautiful drive." The citys businesses and government sponsor clean and inexpensive fun for families year-round. Along with scenic views of the
    • How Are Children Affected With a Parent Who Works the Night Shift?
      Some parents prefer to work the night shift because it allows them to spend the day doting on their small children, while other families suffer through the inconvenience because its the only way to make ends meet. Its a difficult choice, however, bot
    • Signs That Your Child Does Not Respect You
      Once a child hits the pre-adolescent stage, the relationship you two share may undergo a fundamental shift. Suddenly, your child may begin exhibiting disrespectful behavior that startles or surprises you. If you discern issues with respect with your