- Children can begin to learn how to drink from a straw at around 9-12 months, with some starting from 6 months.
- There are 3 methods you can use to help teach your baby to use a straw cup which include the pipette method, squeezing the straw and using a short straw.
- Make the process fun and filled with praise so it’s an enjoyable process for your little one.
Teaching your toddler to drink from a straw can be a bit messy at first, but it’s worthwhile.
Learning to drink from a straw is a small but important milestone for toddlers. It’s not only a useful skill for everyday life, but it also supports development, independence, and makes hydration on-the-go so much easier.
Here’s how to help them learn step by step.
What is the best age to start straw drinking for a baby?
Most babies can begin learning to drink from a straw at around 9 to 12 months, though some can start as early as 6 months.
At this stage, they’re developing muscles, hand-eye coordination, and control over their tongue and swallowing - all of which help them manage straw drinking safely.
That said, every baby develops at their own pace, so it’s best to look for cues they’re ready rather than focusing strictly on age.
Signs your baby may be ready for a straw cup
- They can sit upright with good head control.
- They’ve started solids and can manage small sips of water from an open cup (with help).
- They show curiosity about your drinks or try to imitate you sipping.
- They can close their lips around a spoon - this shows the oral strength needed for straw sucking.
How to teach your baby how to drink from a straw
Before you start, make sure your child is sitting with their feet flat on a surface below. This means they won’t have to think about stability as they learn.
1. Pipette method
If your baby doesn’t understand how to suck through a straw, the pipette method is a good place to start.
Fill up a cup and place a straw in so it's filled with around three inches of liquid, then place your finger over the top and lift it out of the cup.
Hold your baby’s head with your hand positioned under their jaw and place the bottom of the straw to their lips.
When they accept the straw, very slowly release the suction by removing your finger, letting the liquid drip into baby’s mouth.
As your child gets used to letting the liquid flow into their mouth, start to keep your finger on the top of the straw and keep the suction. This means baby will have to suck to get the liquid they expect.
2. Squeeze trick
On a straw in a cup filled with water, press your fingers together where it is filled with liquid to push the fluid up the straw.
Guide the straw to baby’s mouth and gently squeeze to let a little liquid reach their lips.
Repeat a few times to help them learn what the straw does, until they start trying to suck.
3. Short straw
A short straw is important as your little one won't have to use as much force to draw up liquid. This makes the process less frustrating and shows them the result quicker.
A simple way to teach straw drinking is by filling a small cup with their drink and a shortened straw, then guiding the straw to their mouth.
While they might not suck initially, it will help them get used to the feeling.
It might be useful to use this technique at mealtimes instead of their usual water bottle to help indicate that straw drinking is a way for them to hydrate.
Important things to remember
- All straw practice should be supervised to prevent choking.
- Make it fun and filled with praise so it’s an enjoyable experience, such as letting baby imitate you or making silly “slurp” noises to make it playful.
- Teach short (a few minutes at a time) but frequently to avoid frustration.
What to look for when buying a toddler straw cup
- A weighted straw (so they can drink from any angle).
- A skinny straw so it’s easier to suck.
- Spill-proof design for when you’re out and about.
- Soft silicone straw that’s gentle on gums but bite-resistant.
Common challenges (and how to solve them)
“They just chew the straw.”
Keep showing them how you do it and use soft silicone straws to make it gentler on their teeth.
“They can’t get the water up the straw.”
Try the squeeze trick again or use a thinner straw to make suction easier.
“They’re not interested or refusing to drink from the straw."
Let them explore and play with the straw first. Sometimes curiosity and a sense of independence go a long way.
Remember that these tricks are stepping stones to independent drinking. It’s normal for babies to take time to master drinking from a straw.
With patience, encouragement, and a few fun practice sessions, they’ll be sipping like a pro in no time.
