Why Teach This Early?

Open cup drinking develops oral motor skills better than sippy cups or bottles. It also builds independence and fine motor control. Montessori environments offer open cups from 6 months.

Progressive Sub-Goals

Introduction

Target: 6-7 months

Drinks from an open cup held by caregiver

💡 Tip: Start around 6 months with a small shot glass amount of water. Hold the cup and tip gently. Expect spills!

Assisted Drinking

Target: 8-9 months

Holds cup with both hands and drinks with help

💡 Tip: Use a small, weighted cup. Guide their hands. Practice at every meal - consistency builds skill.

Brings Cup to Mouth

Target: 9-11 months

Brings cup to mouth with help, some independent sips

💡 Tip: Let them try holding the cup themselves. Keep amounts small. Celebrate attempts!

Independent Drinking

Target: 11-12 months

Drinks from open cup independently (with spills)

💡 Tip: By 12 months, many babies can drink from an open cup. Keep amounts small. Sippy cups delay this skill.

Teaching Tips

1Skip sippy cups - they delay open cup skills
2Use small cups with small amounts of liquid
3Practice at every meal for consistency
4Expect and accept spills - they're part of learning

Global Context

In Montessori infant communities worldwide, babies drink from small open cups from 6 months. Many traditional cultures never used sippy cups. Early cup drinking supports speech development.