Sippy Cup Questions

[NKmommy]

Hi.  I have a few sippy cup questions.  Nathan was not understanding the need to tip the cup up in order to drink, so he was just getting air (and of course, does NOT want me to help).  So I bought the straw sippy cups, and he loves them.

1st Question - Are straw sippy cups okay, or should I try to get him used to a regular sippy cup as it is more like a real cup? 

2nd Question - Is it a bad idea to switch back and forth between straw and regular sippy cups?  Should I just stick with one, or did your kids do fine with several diferent styles?

Thanks!

[newhampshiremummy]

My lo was the same way. We used both kinds- straw cups and traditional sippy cups, some with rubber spouts, some plastic. It didn't seem to confuse him at all. I think it helped him get the idea that he was taking a drink.
We also played the game where we'd (I would do it mostly) move the cup up and say something fun like "whooooooop", make a sipping noise and then an "ahhhhhhh" noise. Not the best table manners- I know, but now it is funny because after all of that modeling and me doing it for him, he does it by himself and it is sooooo cute. 
BUt I have not heard a reason to not use the straws, and we made it through alright using them.

[Travis' Mom]

I was told to skip sippy cups altogether.  They are supposed to be bad for their gums/teeth and they are just another device to help the parents.  I do use one for my 7 month old but just for water.  I am going to get him started on a cup soon.  I think the straw ones would be better for their teeth and gums.  I may try to get my LO drinking his formula from a straw sippy cup to wean him off the bottle.
Thanks,
 

[tylersmommy]

They are supposed to be bad for their gums/teeth and they are just another device to help the parents.

I haven't heard that they're bad for gums and teeth...would you mind elaborating? Thanks!

[Travis' Mom]

Sure.  I went to a drop-in clinic at my community center and we were told to start training our LO's on drinking from a cup as early as 6 months.  We don't need to use sippy cups at all as they are just a help for parents.  She also said that the sipping part pushes on the roof of the mouth behind the gums and can possibly lead to teeth being pushed out when they get older.
As I've mentioned, I do use one for my LO for water only but because of this, I won't use it for any length of time.
Hope this clarifies my comments earlier.
Thanks,