First Time Mom - Abington,PA

Don't worry about transitioning from the sippy yet--it helps prevent spills! If anyone gives you grief, point to how many adults use sippy cups: from Starbucks, from "sport cap" water bottles, etc: we ALL use sippies! (hey, put his milk or juice in a cup that says "Starbucks" and you won't have to worry about anyone giving you grief because of the sippy; they'll have something else to give you grief about LOL!)

When you really do want him to transition from sippy cups, here's one I read (but didn't need to use): cut away a tiny bit of the top of the sippy every day or so, making the top a bit more open every time; eventually it's almost completely open, he's probably developed the fine-motor coordination to not spill his cup anymore, and it'll become a moot point. Best of luck!

Have you tried using a straw cup? My daughter is 2 also and it seems to have helped ease the transition a little. She's no professional with a big girl cup by any means...lol. She does very well with the straw though and attempts to drink without it on her own now.

It's not too early to start. My 1yr old just started drinking from a regular glass. Would you believe he can't get the straw sippy cups down. Every kid is different. I would hold the cup for him and let him sip. Then gradually when he wanted the cup, I would put it a bit out of reach and he would then pick it up and drink from it. Good luck!

Hi, J.! Definately not too early! My kids were well into regular cups by age 2. We also moved to water bottles for the car, etc...there were some small, child-sized ones we found, in bright colors and decorated, that our kids loved.

I would say follow his lead. If he is intrested in a "big" cup, let him learn how to use it. Only use water and start with very small amounts. Both my 2 year old and 1 year old can drink from a regular cup, but it's only because they want to do what they see everyone else at the dinner table doing. I don't think it's too early!

Children are much more talented than you think. Your son will adapt to you and your family's lifestyle -- and no doubt already has. My sister's kids went from the breast to a glass. Never had sippy cups. Everyone does what works best for them

Same with the potty. I waited until 2 or 2 1/2, but my sister-in-law potty trained her kids at age 1. (I couldn't have done that)

Do what works for you and your son. Know that once you are out of diapers, you will have to become an expert on finding public potties in a flash, and you will know exactly which stores have them, and which stores don't :-)

I enjoyed not having to worry about that for just a wee bit longer than some others . . . wee bit . . . for those who read this and aren't' groaning -- thought I'd highlght the pun !

I wouldn't worry too much about the sippy cup but I'm sure she's able to drink out of a regular cup. I give my 3 year old son a regular cup when he's sitting at the table but a sippy other times still.

As far as potty training, I don't think it's ever too early to start. I've been putting my 21 month old twins in pull-ups and have 2 potties out for them - when ever they seem interested I put them on it and they sometimes pee in it. We also bring them to the bathroom with us to show them about it. I'm thinking sometime in the next few months I might go cold turkey with them in underwear, whenever I start to feel they're ready. You have to figure out what you're comfortable with and when you also think you're ready - it can be very messy. Some people wait until almost 4 when the kids potty train themselves and some do it before 2.

Good luck!

No way is it too early. Get small plastic cups and start with water and do not be afraid of a spill, remember us grown ups spill too. Do not tell him to be careful or make a big deal when he does drip.
As for potty training follow his lead. If you do not have a potty, get one so that he sees it and gets used to it being there. YOu can even take him and let him pick out his own. Have him come into the bathroom when you and your husband pee. As for readiness, can he pull off his paints and pull them up? (No need for him to be able to button.) Can he follow 3 step directions? (There are many steps to actually going potty) Does he stay dry for long periods of time and does he recognize that he has gone to the bathroom in his diapers? Have him sit on the potty with clothes. Start asking him to just sit on the potty when you change him even if it just for a second. Remember that there is no rush. 2 is young and different bodies mature at different times.

Joyful Parenting
B.

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I think it is too early. But, you can start to insist that he always places his sippy cup up on the table when he is finished instead of dropping it on the floor, etc. I would say that moving to a regular cup won't happen until you son is at least 3 years old.

Hi J.,

My daughter will be 20 months next week and is potty trained and uses big girl cups. She wanted both cause she saw her big brother using the cups and potty.
My son however, was a bit more difficult. We started potty training him at 16 months and he wasn't trained fully until 30 months. He used a sippy cup until he was 3. The only reason he switched to a big boy cup is because I told him that I got a letter from the governor that said that all 3 year olds have to use a big boy cup. It's the law.
So, in a nutshell, every child is different. Yes, follow his lead, but be sure that you are making the big boy options seems very attractive. I put a potty chair in the living room and read to my kids or put a potty DVD on while they sat there. We high fived and hugged and kissed after every attempt on the potty. As far as the nixing the sippy cup went, I went to Target and bought really awesome cups, talked them up and started using them myself. Then, of course, my son wanted to share my drink with me and use a cup of his own. Viola. It'll take some time, but the more you make them options, the more he'll be interested in them.
Best of luck!

I don't think it's too early to let him start trying out a regular cup. Give him both and put what he likes to drink MORE in the regular cup and let him choose. Brace for and expect spills!
As for potty training,you really need to looks for signs of readiness: interest in the toilet, ability to pull down pants, etc., as all kids are different and you should NEVER compare your child to someone else's child.
Personally, I think 2 years old is too young to begin training a boy--after all who wants to potty train for almost a year? Once he IS ready, it will be a fairly quick process.

Just give your baby the cup. Childrenn learn form modeling so suprisingly your son will probably know what to do.
Shant'e