I have just had a revelation which is making my life a lot easier: I have taught my 8-month-old baby to drink with a straw! By teaching, I mean that I put a glass of water in front of her and stuck a straw in it and waited… sure enough after having a bit of a chew on it, she started sucking and emptied most of the glass. This might be completely obvious to everyone, but I had no idea that a baby could do that!
I have to explain that I am not always the most organised person. I have a tendency to change plans and don’t usually have all the “right” baby equipment with me. So this new trick is great: Today I lost track of time and suddenly realised it was lunch time. We decided to pop into a little restaurant for lunch — I ordered a vegetable soup and a piece of bread for the baby, asked for a glass of water and a straw and away she went: minimal mess, no fuss. My little girl is growing up fast….
(In case anyone is wondering: I did actually have to feed her the soup and hold the glass for her, she was not sitting on a chair doing all of that by herself. She is not THAT advanced at 8 months!)
– Emilie
Comments (9)
It’s so true. In fact, I can remember exactly where we were when both my boys learned how to use a straw! It’s such a life change when they figure it out!
maybe i should put more effort in teaching them.
My older son can drink from a straw… but then he forgets what he’s doing and tips the glass when the liquid goes down. Disaster!!
I think what I really loved about it was the fact that it was one of the first times I saw her look at something, try it out, figure out how to use it and then remember it for the next time…
yes, i loved when my kids figured out how to use a straw. it helps to keep messes to a minimum. my daughter uses it to drink soup, drinks, and even her yogurt. she knows how to use a spoon, so i’m not worried the straw is getting in the way of that, but sometimes she just likes the straw. with the yogurt, we use containers that have the foil-like cover on top. then i just poke it with the straw. ZERO mess! but the important thing for us is the straw that bends. otherwise, they are generally too tall for her and lots of spills.
I did the exact same thing when my son was smaller!
Straws are fabulous!
Such a good idea. My little girl is six months old. When did you start offering water?
Brooke,
If I remember correctly, if you’re still giving breasmilk they don’t need water, if you’re giving formula then 6 months they can get some water. Maybe check with your pedi to see what they prefer.
My toddler uses a straw, but only for water. He won’t use one for milk. Go figure.
🙂
J
I don’t think water can ever do any harm at any age. You normally start when the kid is starting on solids, I believe.
I realized my son could drink from a straw before he was one when he leaned over and sucked down half my smoothie before I realized what he had done!