Top tips for introducing open cups and cutlery to toddlers

Learning to drink from an open cup and use cutlery is a milestone for toddlers. Pickle & Bear’s toddler cutlery and cups will help. And here’s some advice…

With patience, encouragement and the right tools, you can help your little one master these new skills and enjoy mealtimes together.

Start slowly and build confidence. Begin by introducing these skills when your toddler is relaxed and not overly hungry. When children are very hungry, they’re more likely to feel frustrated if things don’t go smoothly. Start with short, calm practice sessions and celebrate every small success.

Choose the right equipment. Opt for child-friendly items that are easy to hold and gentle to use. Lightweight toddler cutlery with silicone, soft-grip handles makes gripping easier for small hands. Similarly, cups made from silicone are ideal; they’re soft on gums, durable and less likely to break if dropped. Look for cups with a gentle curve or a weighted base to help prevent toppling: take a look at Pickle & Bear’s range.

Demonstrate, then step back. Children learn through imitation, so show them how to hold the spoon, guide food to their mouth, and take a sip from a cup. Then give them the chance to try for themselves. It might be tempting to jump in quickly when spills happen, but allowing your toddler to explore helps build their confidence and coordination.

Expect (and embrace) a bit of mess. Mess is a natural part of learning. Using a silicone bib with a catch-all pocket and a non-slip placemat can help contain spills and reduce stress, making clean-up much easier. Try to stay relaxed, since a calm atmosphere helps your toddler stay calm too.

Make it fun! Turn mealtimes into a positive experience. Offer colourful foods, chat about tastes and textures, and praise effort rather than perfection. Encouragement goes a long way in keeping children motivated.

Introducing open cups and cutlery takes time, but with patience and playful practice, and the right toddler cutlery and drinkware, your toddler will soon start to develop these essential life skills. Enjoy the journey, even the messy bits!

Need advice? Call us on 0800 124 4906 or email us at sales@pickleandbear.uk