Starting the cup
Even if your baby is breastfeeding or using a bottle, now (around age 6-8 months) may be the time to let her practice holding a cup. Babies this age are eager to try new skills—and waiting until your baby is a year old may make it more difficult.
Start with a soft-spout sippy cup, one with handles may be best. First show her how to hold the cup for drinking. Then lift it to your mouth. Babies love to imitate, so she’ll likely try to do what you’re doing. It’s okay and appropriate to let her play with and explore the cup in the beginning.
The liquid test
Place a little water in the cup and hold it to her mouth. Slowly tilt the cup and encourage your baby to sip to get the liquid. She may spit it out at first or cough a little. Eventually she’ll get used to the liquid and will be able to swallow without any trouble.