Youre baby is several months old, so you might be wondering, when can my baby use a cup? The first cup parents usually try are sippy cups. A sippy cup is basically a cup with a lid to prevent spills and some kind of spout for your baby to drink from. Doctors generally agree that babies can start using sippy cups AFTER six months of age. Here are some tips on getting your little one used to using a sippy cup. Start slowly, giving your baby time to get used to using a cup. Demonstrate to your little one JUST HOW the cup is used. Make lots of appreciative sounds so that your baby will really want to taste the cup's contents, too! Try enlisting the help of an older sibling or little friend to show your little one how to use the cup. Babies LOVE to mimic others, so this may be JUST the incentive your little one needs! Avoid giving your baby the cup when he's tired or grumpy. And if he's very thirsty, he'll find the cup frustrating and may become tearful. The BEST time to encourage your baby to use a cup is early in the morning, when your little one is wide-awake and cheerful! Your goal is to have your baby using a cup, and feeling comfortable doing so, by that other big milestone, his or her 1 year birthday! For several reasons, do NOT let your baby go to bed with a cup of juice or milk. First, it might make a mess. And secondly, the liquid may 'pool' around the teeth, which can cause dental decay. Also, putting a child to sleep with liquids can lead to Eustachian tube dysfunction and heighten the risk of ear infections. And be sure to clean your baby's cup very carefully. The valve needs particular attention, as it is a great place for harboring bacteria and molds. Dont worry; your baby will be a pro at sippy cup in NO time!