What a Speech Therapist Wants You to Know About Sippy Cups
When your baby transitions from a bottle, it might seem like a sippy cup is the obvious next step. They are easy to find and often marketed as a helpful tool for toddlers. However, skipping the sippy cup in many ways.
1. Straws Build Muscles Needed for Speech and Eating
Drinking from a straw helps strengthen the lips, cheeks, and tongue. These are the same muscles your child will use to speak clearly and eat safely. Each time your child drinks through a straw, they are practicing important movements that help with speech sounds and chewing. It might seem like a small skill, but it builds the coordination needed for everyday tasks like talking, eating, and drinking.
2. Sippy Cups Encourage an Immature Sucking Pattern
Most sippy cups are designed to prevent spills, which means your child often has to suck in the same way they did with a bottle. This kind of sucking pattern is normal for babies, but older children need to move on to more advanced patterns that involve stronger, more coordinated movements. Sticking with a sippy cup for too long can slow this progress and may even contribute to delays in speech or feeding skills.
3. Straw and Open Cups Encourage a Proper Tongue Position
When your child uses a straw or drinks from an open cup, the tongue is naturally encouraged to stay at the top of the mouth. This is the proper position for both clear speech and safe swallowing. Sippy cups often cause the tongue to rest low and flat, which is not ideal for speech development and can affect how your child eats and talks over time.
Making the Switch
While it might feel easier to use a sippy cup at first, switching to a straw or open cup supports your child’s long-term development. Start slowly, model how to drink, and expect some spills in the beginning. With a little patience, your child can learn this skill and build stronger muscles for speech and feeding. Making this small change now can help set the stage for healthy growth and communication. If you need help making the switch from sippy cups, Turning Tides Speech Therapy in Pensacola is here to help!