“Am I Supposed to Be Giving My Baby Water Now?”
A Real Chat About Baby-Led Weaning and Learning to Drink
Learning to drink water isn’t about ounces — it’s about exploration.
Prefer to listen?
Cups. Water. Sippy wars.
Let’s take a deep breath and simplify.
In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most common, confusing questions parents ask:
“When do I start giving my baby water?”
We’ll break down what actually matters, which cups I recommend, how to teach open cup and straw drinking, and why the goal isn’t hydration — it’s skill-building.
Water can start at 6 months — but it’s kinda optional
Yes, you can offer water when solids begin — around 6 months.
But it’s not required. It’s just an opportunity to practice.
Your baby still gets all the hydration they need from breast milk or formula.
Water at this stage supports:
Open cup and straw drinking skills
Oral motor development
Independence at the table
Start with just a splash of water in a tiny open cup during meals — and expect spills.
The best cups for BLW
You don’t need 12.
You just need one or two solid options.
My go-to favorites:
Open cup: EZPZ Tiny Cup
Straw cup: EZPZ Mini Cup + Straw Trainer
Bonus: Honey Bear Straw Trainer (great for learning)
Later favorite: Elk and Friends cups (especially for smoothies)
Pro tip: Keep it consistent. Repeated exposure builds recognition and skills over time.
If water isn’t working, try this instead
If your baby isn’t into water yet (or is just dumping it), try this trick:
👉 Offer a small amount of breast milk or formula in the cup instead.
It’s familiar, slightly thicker than water (which helps), and still supports motor skill development.
This often builds confidence faster — and water can come later.
How to teach open cup drinking (step-by-step)
Start with a small open cup (like the EZPZ Tiny Cup)
Hold the base with both hands and guide it to baby’s mouth
Tip it just enough to wet their lips, then pause
Let them explore, chew, or sip at their own pace
Repeat consistently — success builds over time
Model the behavior too! Babies learn best by watching you.
Teaching straw drinking (two great methods)
1. The Pipette Method
Use your finger to trap liquid in a straw
Release it into baby’s mouth to show how it works
2. The Squeeze Method
Use a squeezable straw cup (like a Honey Bear)
Gently squeeze so baby gets a taste
Repeat until they begin to suck on their own
🍓 Flavor trick: Add a touch of yogurt or mashed fruit to the straw tip to increase interest.
Important mindset shift: it’s about learning, not ounces
You don’t need to track how much your baby drinks.
You don’t need to stress over sips.
You just need to give them the chance to try.
Spills, chewing, tossing — all part of the process.
Water is a skill, not a milestone.
What to remember about water + cups in BLW
✅ Offer water with meals once solids begin
✅ Start with one open cup and one straw cup
✅ Let it be messy and playful
✅ Don’t worry about volume — breastmilk/formula are still primary
✅ Try milk instead of water if needed
✅ Focus on skills, not perfection
💛 Ready for real support? Join Orientation Day: BLW 101 (Free Live Class)
Still feeling unsure about water, food prep, allergens, or just where to start?
🎉 Orientation Day: Baby-Led Weaning 101 is happening June 25, 26, and 28
✨ I’ll walk you through readiness signs, safe feeding setups, first foods, and more — live.
You’ll leave with a clear plan and the confidence to get started, for real.
Looking for EZPZ discount codes? I got you!
P.S. Looking for cup links or that 15% EZPZ discount?
use code BLWAcademy at checkout!
Let it splash. Let it spill. Let it be part of the fun.
You’ve got this, mama — and I’ve got you.