Drinks from a cup without a lid

What is this milestone?

Self-feeding milestone

Your baby is able to lift an open cup (without a lid) to their mouth, tilt it, and swallow the liquid with minimal spilling.

Why it matters

This advances their oral motor skills, requiring complex coordination of the lips, jaw, and tongue. It also moves them away from the sucking reflex used for bottles or breasts, promoting proper jaw and teeth development.

What to expect leading up to it

Expect a mess! At first, they will tilt the cup too far and dump water down their chin. They will slowly learn how to pace the flow of liquid and close their lips properly around the rim.

How to encourage and support it

Start with a very small, lightweight cup (like a shot glass or a specialized baby cup) filled with just a tiny sip of water. Guide the cup to their lips the first few times so they understand the tilting motion.

When to talk to your doctor

Mention it if your child cannot drink from an open or straw cup with help by around 18 months. Tell your pediatrician sooner if they routinely cough, choke, or splutter on liquids, or if drinking seems to take real effort -- swallowing is worth assessing directly. And at any age, if your baby loses a skill they already had, tell your pediatrician that week.