Training cups, often called sippy cups, are commonly used when children move on from breast or bottle feeding.

They can be helpful, but using them incorrectly can increase the risk of tooth decay.

This usually happens when:

• Children use them very often throughout the day.
• Sugary or acidic drinks are put in them.

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Choosing the right training cup

The goal of a training cup is to help your child move from sucking to sipping, and then on to a normal open cup.

“No-spill” cups often have a valve that makes children suck hard to get a drink. This can slow down the move to normal drinking.

Using cups that encourage sucking for a long time may also affect how a child’s teeth and jaws develop.

Better choices include:

• A cup with a lid and spout, but no valve.
• Cups with two handles to help children hold them easily.
• Cups with a weighted base to help keep them upright.

Encourage your child to drink from a regular open cup from around 6 months, when they start weaning.

Most children can move away from training cups completely by around 2 years old.

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Using training cups safely

Training cups should be used at meal or snack times rather than all day.

Allowing children to carry a cup around and sip frequently increases the risk of tooth decay because their teeth are exposed to sugar or acid more often.

Encourage regular drink times and offer water between meals.

Do not let your child fall asleep with a training cup.

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What should go in a training cup?

Water is the best drink for your child’s teeth. If your local water supply contains fluoride, this gives extra protection.

Milk is also a good choice with meals rather than frequent sipping throughout the day.

Avoid frequent sipping of:

• Squash.
• Fruit juice.
• Fizzy drinks.
• Sweetened drinks.

Each time a child has something sugary or acidic, their teeth are subjected to an acid attack.

Frequent sipping means teeth do not get a chance to recover, which increases the risk of decay.

Between meals, training cups should contain water only.

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Drinks at bedtime

Saliva flow decreases during sleep, so drinks stay on the teeth longer.

Sugary drinks before bed or naps can quickly lead to tooth decay.

Before sleep:

• Do not give juice, squash or sweet drinks.
• Offer water if your child needs a drink.

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When should children stop using a training cup?

There is no exact age, but most children can use a regular open cup by around 2 years old.

Moving on from a training cup helps support normal drinking skills and protects teeth.