I've got nine month old twin boys who have never taken a bottle. I've been fine with that, but now they're starting to seriously wean themselves and refuse to drink anything to replace that lost amount of liquids. I don't want them to use bottles since I'd just have to take them away in a few months. They don't like sippy cups (soft or hard spouts) and they get so excited about cups that they don't drink from them. They'll knock it out of my hands or throw them on the floor when I let them hold the cups. What can I do to get my boys to drink out of cups (normal or sippy) so they stay hydrated???
try getting the cups with the holes for straws in the lids, find the crazy straws or just the bending straws and see if that works.
Yep, I'd also say straws. My son would not do any form of sippy cup, but at 9 months he could already suck on a straw. I was surprised cause I didn't know they could figure out a straw so early... I guess that some don't. Otherwise, don't worry about a bottle. That would be fine too. Just think, some people nurse their babies until they are two. So what's really wrong with a bottle every so often?
straws all the way. . .my pedi recommended a straw when mine was 9 months and she never had a sippy or a bottle. . . . she's still nursing. . . are you sure your boys are weaning? or are they teething or is there some other developmental change? they could just be cutting back on the number of feedings because they are more efficient at getting the milk when they nurse. . . . nursing babies don't require other hydration. . . anyway, the straw rocks. there are those little princess or cars cups or whatever, "my first year" unless you're against plastic, but they have lids and straws. they spill if they turn them upside down, but it will help with the "swatting it and spilling it" situation if you hold them. she loved drinking from a straw it only took a few times for her to get the hang of it. . . . good luck
my son really enjoyed ice cubes from a cup at that age (not choking size of course) i found a tiny cube tray & would fill it with water or juices
this also helps with dexterity because they want to grab the little cubes out of the cup or try to "drink"
less mess... still a form of hydration.
bravo on no bottles. :)
I think you've gotten some great suggestions. I agree with you that it is not worth getting them on a bottle just to get them off of it in a few months. I would just add the suggestion of continuing to give them sippies with either water or formula - even if they aren't taking to them right away. With some kids it just takes quite a while to figure out. I would offer them a sippy during mealtimes & just let them play with them. Be patient and don't worry if they're not getting anything out of them yet. They will eventually. In the mean time, try the straws & cups & other suggestions you've been given to get them some liquid, but maybe try the sippy first, just to give them practice. Good luck!
Give them a cup to hold and wave while you help them drink from another cup. It is going to be a bit messy while they learn, just wrap a fluffy towel over them to keep clothes dry. Be patient, they will figure out what to do with it pretty soon.
Also, talk to your pediatrician. He'll probably suggest that if they are weaning themselves and only 9 months to give them some formula. They aren't really old enough for cow's milk yet but still need the nutrients provided by breast milk or formula (you could pump and give the milk to them in a cup if you are opposed to formula). But you can give them the formula ii a cup, too, after they've learned to use it.
