water/cups

[Portlypenguin]

Hello everyone,

My just 9mo old is doing really well with weaning. He has cow's milk protein allergy so is dairy free, but since we cut milk out he has eaten really well.

Problem is, he won't take any water. He has taken a few sips at times, but 99% of the time just pushes the cup away with his hand as soon as he sees it. It is highly frustrating.

We have offered sippy cups, normal glasses, doidy cup and a sippy that he needs to suck out of. No difference in all of them.

Any ideas?

Also - how do you teach little ones about the type of cup that they suck from?

Thanks for any thoughts!

I just leave a TT free flow cup on her high chair. That's it. Initially she played with it, dropped it on the floor, pushed it over the edge. But around 10mo, she suddently got the cup, picked it up and sipped on it. She's nearly 1yo now and will drink from her cup many times during her meals. Though not always holding the cup right way up.

I did help by holding the cup to her face every meal, waiting for her to put her mouth over the spout. Then I tilted the cup up so water pours out. It does help my DD is very curious and will put everything in her mouth. So I think she got the idea water came from the cup from quite an early age.

My 9 month old is the same. I've found that he will drink when he's in the bath though! He also seems to prefer his water warm. Some days I can get a couple of ounces into him, but most days he won't touch a drop.

I discussed my concerns with my neighbour who is also a health visitor. She said that it's quite normal for summer born babies to not drink so much when weaning as they simply prefer their normal milk. When it gets warmer they will get thirstier and the need for water kicks in.

I just keep trying and offering the cup every hour.

It took my DD a good few months to drink water from a cup without assistance or spilling a lot of it. Just keep trying. Also, DD loves drinking Mummy or Daddy's drink from a glass, so perhaps try that route? "oooh look DS do you want to try Mummy's drink?"

Remember foods like fruit and veg have water in them and as long as he is having milk he wont get thirsty.

Thanks everyone. No luck yet but I will keep trying! LO is starting nursery in 2 weeks...maybe they will have more success than me!