Baby (0–12 months)
Sip and See: Building Open-Cup Skills
This activity helps your baby learn to drink from an open cup, promoting independence and fine motor control.
Ready right now 10 min Ages 6–9 months 1–2 players Indoor
Oral motor skillsFine motor controlHand-eye coordinationSelf-feedingIndependence
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Learning benefits
- 💡 Learning to drink from an open cup helps develop your baby’s oral motor skills, which are important for speech development and eating a variety of textures. It also boosts their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as they learn to control the cup and bring it to their mouth. This simple act fosters a sense of independence and self-feeding. Milestones this age: Holds an object in each hand • Looks at own reflection in a mirror • Responds to own name • Sits without support • Rakes for objects with fingers • Starts to babble "mama" and "dada" without understanding.
Safety notes
- ⚠️ Always supervise your baby closely during this activity to prevent choking or spills. • Use a tiny, unbreakable cup to prevent injury. • Offer only water, breast milk, or formula; no cow's milk before 12 months. • Ensure all materials are free of small parts (larger than 1.25 inches in diameter). • Never leave your baby unsupervised with a cup. • ABCs of Safe Sleep (Alone, Back, Crib): Always place your baby alone on their back in a bare crib for all sleep times. No loose blankets, bumpers, or toys in the crib. • No screens for babies under 18 months, except for live video chats with family. • No honey for babies under 1 year old due to the risk of botulism. • No whole nuts, whole grapes, hot-dog rounds, popcorn, or hard candy due to choking hazards. When to call your pediatrician: Seems very floppy or stiff • Doesn’t try to get things that are in reach • Does not babble • Doesn’t sit with help • Doesn’t put things in mouth • Has trouble bringing things to mouth.
Cleanup
- 🧹 Wipe up any spills with the towel. Wash the cup with soap and water.