We’re having a heatwave!
SUMMER IS THE IDEAL TIME TO WEAN BABY TO AN OPEN CUP!
Scorching weather is due towards the end of June and as many of us get out and about with our babies this summer enjoying camping, time in the park or even family festival trips, now is one of the best times to think about getting your baby used to the idea of drinking from an open cup. The Doidy Cup, with its small handles, has been scientifically designed with a unique slant that allows a young child to see the level of the liquid in the cup as they tilt to drink. This slant helps minimise possible spills – but since you are sitting on the grass enjoying the sunshine, any initial spills that might occur at the start… simply won’t matter!
Claire Burgess, Head of Research, Consultancy and Training at Norland College comments “In line with the NHS, we recommend using an open cup from around 6 months of age for drinks. This can help your baby learn to drink naturally and aids the transition from bottle to cup. The use of a bottle can be discontinued as soon as possible and by 1 year old, your child will love learning to feed themselves.”
With a heatwave due, parents should stay extra vigilant about their baby’s hydration levels. Charlotte Stirling-Reed, Child Nutritionist and founder of Little Foodie www.littlefoodie.org recommends “The best way to ensure your baby is hydrated is to check they are producing plenty wet nappies. If your baby reduces the number of wet nappies, has particularly strong urine or seems very tired and lethargic, it may be worthwhile ensuring they are getting plenty of fluid from their usual milk or additional water.”
Charlotte Stirling Reed continues “Many parents are unsure about when, how and how much water to offer young babies, especially once they begin the move to solid foods. Generally, babies don’t need any water before they begin solids foods at around 6 months of age. Before this time most of the fluid that a baby will get will be in the form of breast or formula milk. However, as breast milk adapts to your baby’s daily needs and formula doesn’t, formula fed babies may need a little extra water in very hot weather.”
Charlotte Stirling Reed’s Top Tips
• Breastfed babies aren’t likely to need water much before 6 months of age. Formula fed babies may need a little extra fluid in very warm weather
• Boil then cool tap water before offering it to babies under 6 months (not necessary post 6 months of age)
• Offer a little water at mealtimes during the introduction of solids to help baby get used to drinking from an open cup
• Make sure all drinks are offered from an open or free flowing cup by around 12 months of age
• Check your baby is producing plenty of wet nappies to make sure they are staying hydrated and visit your GP if you have any concerns.
The Doidy Cup, which has been endorsed by Health Professionals including Doctors, Dentists, Midwives and Health Visitors for almost 70 years, helps to teach an infant to drink from the rim of an open cup rather than from a spout or teated bottle, which carries many benefits. Indeed, health professionals promote the use of the Doidy Cup to help prevent premature tooth decay, poor feeding techniques and delayed speech development. This unique weaning cup encourages good oral movements and helps to develop chewing skills through encouraging use of the jaw, tongue and mouth muscles.
