At first, a newborn baby drinks only mother's milk, and this is natural. An adult baby needs extra fluid: water, fruit drink or juice. From what dishes is it better to drink a child? Many children refuse bottles, and drinking from a mug is difficult for them. In this situation, special dishes will help. In the article, we will talk about how to teach a child to drink from a drinking bowl.
Why drink through a straw
But why do we need a drinker with a straw? Of course, only adults can drink from a cup. But what about the child? First of all, it is worth highlighting several advantages of drinking from a straw:
- It's comfortable. Now on the shelves of children's stores there are many different drinkers with and without straws. It is enough to pour liquid and give to the baby. Children cannot open the drinker on their own, which means that it is not possible to get wet and get dirty. Water enters the child’s mouth if he draws it in. This simplifies the process for mom, because she can do household chores at this time, and not worry, no matter how much the baby has done.
- The prevalence of tubules. It is convenient to use this product when traveling, on a walk or in a store. It is difficult to find a mug, and indeed carry it everywhere with you. Juice is sold in almost every store, and a straw is also attached to it.
- Fruit juice is good for the body, but its effect is bad for children's teeth. It is the tube that protects tooth enamel from the effects of acids.
- Experts say that when the liquid is sucked out of the drinker with the tube, the muscles of the tongue perform tremendous actions, which means they become stronger, which is important for the development of speech.
Naturally, these advantages push moms and dads to the fact that the baby should master this skill. Parents give the child a drinker with a straw or juice and wait for the beloved child to start drinking. But disappointment comes, because the baby does not know how to use this product. How to explain to the child that the liquid is absorbed? How to teach a child to drink from a straw?
When is the best time to start?
Newly made parents think that you can teach a child to use a straw at any age. Pediatricians say that at an early age it is better to accustom the baby to conscious actions, because this has a positive effect on his intelligence. And there is no use for the bottle, but there is harm - malocclusion.
The best age is considered to be the border from 6 to 8 months. But how to teach a child to drink from a straw in 8 months? It is worth noting that at this age, children try to touch everything. They grab toys, various objects, and even dishes. Parents need to be prepared for the fact that at first the baby will drop juice and a drinker.
Of course, training should take on a game form. Also, do not put it in a long drawer. It is difficult to retrain a baby who is used to a bottle.
Obstacles
Often, babies begin to be mean and resist. Parents need to be patient and accustom the baby to the drinking cup gradually. During teething, it is advisable to postpone training.
Remember that pushing is characteristic of children - this is a reflex. If an unfamiliar object enters the mouth, the tongue pushes it out.
How to teach a child to drink from a straw if he resists? For example, buy a drinker bright, colorful. Such an item will certainly interest the child. During the training, plant toys next to the baby, pretend to drink them from the drinker. Invite your child to teach toys to drink.
The child does not immediately learn this skill. Training can take place quickly, and can take 2-3 months. It is difficult to learn new skills for a baby, as well as to teach a child to drink from a straw. In a year or a year and a half it is easier for him to explain something than in 6 months.
Drink from the straw
If the child is old enough to receive fruit juices or fruit drinks, then parents can safely begin to teach the crumbs to drink from a straw. The child should like this process.
How to teach a child to drink from a straw? Yes very simple, do the following simple thing. First show the child a juice or a drinker, let him touch the subject. Insert the tube into the baby’s mouth and gently press down (this applies to the juice in the box), the liquid will fall into the mouth. At a reflex level, the child will try to draw in the juice on his own. That’s all wisdom.
Do not be upset if the first time nothing happened, maybe a little later, luck will turn to you. It is important in this case not to give up.
Learning to drink from a drinking bowl with a straw
If the baby is already drinking juice from a straw, then accustoming him to a drinking bowl is quite simple. He already knows the actions that help fluid flow into his mouth. Therefore, problems in this case will not arise.
If this is your first time trying to give your child juice, then show him the process by example. Pour any liquid into the mug, insert the tube and show the baby how to drink. It is advisable to portray good and surprised feelings from drinking. Then you can offer the juice to the child. Naturally, the first time it may not work, but over time, the child will master this skill .
Tips by Dr. Komarovsky
How to teach a child to drink from a straw? Komarovsky argues that any childhood failure, inability or difficulty in learning is due to the fact that parents choose the wrong tactics. For example, if parents want to teach the baby to drink from a drinking bowl, then it is best to introduce him to this dishware as soon as possible. Already at half a year, children can independently hold a drinker and take small sips.
No need to scold the child for spilled liquid. If the child is faced with your discontent and anger, then he will completely refuse a drinker or juice with a straw. He will have a strong protest. It is advisable to praise the baby, to encourage him, because the effectiveness of the process of mastering new skills depends only on the attention of the parents and their understanding. Therefore, the natural question is how to teach a child to drink from a straw without tears and tantrums.