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Weaning During a Heatwave Advice for Parents

amomentwithfranca · 27 June 2018 · 31 Comments

We’re having a heatwave! Apparently, June and July are set to be very hot here in the UK! This is actually lovely as we don’t tend to get this type of weather very often so we are embracing it, however, because this is not something we are very used to in this country, it is important to take some precautions. I have been approached by Doidy Cup to share with you some valuable advice in regards to this heatwave as they have been working with the renowned nutritionist, Charlotte Stirling Reed of The Little Food company on the best advice for parents of weaning-age babies during a heatwave.

Weaning Advice for Parents During a Heatwave

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT DOIDY CUP

We love Doidy Cups. Both of my girls used them and it was a fantastic help! For those of you that have not heard of or tried a Doidy Cup, they are recommended for children aged 3 months and up. At first, the parent may need to hold the bottom of the cup whilst gently putting the rim on the infant’s lower lip to allow them to take what they want. As the baby grows, they will want to hold the handles and feed themselves.

Sienna using her Doidy Cup when she was 1 year old

They are available in 17 bright colours (including solid, pearlised and sparkle finishes!), with a 200ml capacity. It is hygienic, sterilizer-safe, dishwasher-proof and freezer-proof. Doidy Cups are manufactured in the UK from virgin food-safe HDPE and they do not contain Bisphenol, Phthalates or PVC.

The Doidy Cup has a recommended retail price of £3.80 and in the UK is available from Asda, Dunelm, John Lewis, JoJoMamanBebe, Kiddicare, Ocado and Sainsbury’s as well as online from Amazon.

SUMMER IS THE IDEAL TIME TO WEAN BABY WITH AN OPEN CUP!

Scorching weather is due towards the end of June and as many of us get out and about with our babies this summer enjoying camping, time in the park or even family festival trips, now is one of the best times to think about getting your baby used to the idea of drinking from an open cup. The Doidy Cup, with its small handles, has been scientifically designed with a unique slant that allows a young child to see the level of the liquid in the cup as they tilt to drink. This slant helps to minimise possible spills – but since you are sitting on the grass enjoying the sunshine, any initial spills that might occur at the start… simply won’t matter!

Claire Burgess, Head of Research, Consultancy and Training at Norland College comments “In line with the NHS, we recommend using an open cup from around 6 months of age for drinks. This can help your baby learn to drink naturally and aids the transition from bottle to cup. The use of a bottle can be discontinued as soon as possible and by 1 year old, your child will love learning to feed themselves.”

With a heatwave due, parents should stay extra vigilant about their baby’s hydration levels. Charlotte Stirling-Reed, Child Nutritionist and founder of Little Foodie recommends “The best way to ensure your baby is hydrated is to check they are producing plenty of wet nappies. If your baby reduces the number of wet nappies, has particularly strong urine or seems very tired and lethargic, it may be worthwhile ensuring they are getting plenty of fluid from their usual milk or additional water.”

Charlotte Stirling Reed continues “Many parents are unsure about when, how and how much water to offer young babies, especially once they begin the move to solid foods. Generally, babies don’t need any water before they begin solids foods at around 6 months of age. Before this time most of the fluid that a baby will get will be in the form of breast or formula milk. However, as breast milk adapts to your baby’s daily needs and formula doesn’t, formula-fed babies may need a little extra water in very hot weather.”

Charlotte Stirling Reed’s Top Tips

  • Breastfed babies aren’t likely to need water much before 6 months of age. Formula fed babies may need a little extra fluid in very warm weather
  • Boil then cool tap water before offering it to babies under 6 months (not necessary post 6 months of age)
  • Offer a little water at mealtimes during the introduction of solids to help baby get used to drinking from an open cup
  • Make sure all drinks are offered from an open or free-flowing cup by around 12 months of age
  • Check your baby is producing plenty of wet nappies to make sure they are staying hydrated and visit your GP if you have any concerns.

Have you already tried a Doidy Cup? If so, what do you think of it? If not, would you give it a go? What do you think of the advice about weaning a baby with an open cup during this heatwave?

*Disclosure: We were approached by Doidy Cup to share this information with you to help during a heatwave as well as providing the prizes for this lovely Giveaway. Contains an Amazon affiliate link. 

Thanks for stopping by,

Love you all ❤️

Franca  💋

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Filed Under: Nutrition, Health, Parenting, Tips

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Susie Wilkinson says

    27 June 2018 at

    I’d not heard of the Doidy cup before, but they look a great idea!

    Reply
  2. Solange says

    27 June 2018 at

    No, I’ve not tried a Doidy Cup but I would give it a go. I think the advice about weaning a baby to an open cup during this heatwave is a great idea.

    Reply
    • amomentwithfranca says

      28 June 2018 at

      Yes I agree! This cup is really good! I can highly recommend it!

      Reply
  3. Becky @ Educating roversi says

    28 June 2018 at

    I’ve not tried one but we have just started weaning Sienna so I have entered the competition! #KCACOLS

    Reply
    • amomentwithfranca says

      28 June 2018 at

      It is great this cup! Both my girls used it. So funny you put the hashtag! Lol x

      Reply
  4. Angela Treadway says

    28 June 2018 at

    no i havent used them before but i am intrigued x

    Reply
  5. Catherine Bullas says

    28 June 2018 at

    The cup is great,my little boy used one at a friends for the first time the other day and I was wanting to get one.

    Reply
  6. Rebecca Sutton says

    28 June 2018 at

    iv never heard of this before, but it does look handy.

    Reply
  7. Katie says

    28 June 2018 at

    Not tried this (don’t have kids, entering for my new nephew). My older nephew went straight onto a cup. I think it’s a good idea in this heat.

    Reply
  8. Margaret GALLAGHER says

    28 June 2018 at

    We have – my neice was really impressed – easy to use due to the design – would love one for my nephew
    Little and very often with drinks in this heatwave – lots of sunscreen and keep in the shade

    Reply
  9. Sue McCarthy says

    29 June 2018 at

    I don’t have any children but would love to win this prize to donate to charity, to go to Romania.

    Reply
  10. Susan B says

    29 June 2018 at

    I haven’t tried a Doidy cup and I hadn’t thought about weaning a baby using an open cup. However, I am up for new approaches to childcare and parenting.

    Reply
  11. Helen stratton says

    3 July 2018 at

    We have tried a friends doidy cup once. At the time, she didn’t seem to take to it any better than other cups. Interesting to see if this has changed.

    Reply
  12. PEACHY and MOMMY says

    8 July 2018 at

    We’ve been having a record breaking heatwave in our part of the world too. There have been many days spent in the yard enjoying the weather. I totally agree that it’s a great opportunity to let little ones practice their independent drinking. Also great for letting toddlers eat ice cream on their own for the first time. Or any messy thing that wiuld be disastrous indoors. #KCACOLS

    Reply
  13. shan says

    8 July 2018 at

    I love the look of this, G still isn’t confident with an open cup and prefers his straw or sipper. And you’re right – summer is the best time to try new things with them! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  14. Fiona Cambouropoulos says

    9 July 2018 at

    The shape of the cup looks really well thought out #KCACOLS

    Reply
    • amomentwithfranca says

      9 July 2018 at

      Yes it is! Very helpful for little ones! 🙂 x

      Reply
  15. Beth Owen says

    12 July 2018 at

    I’ve been seeing posts about this Doidy cup alot recently. It looks fab! I must get one for Freddie! #KCACOLS

    Reply
    • amomentwithfranca says

      12 July 2018 at

      It is great and so practical! X

      Reply
  16. Jaylan-Diapers at dawn says

    14 July 2018 at

    I’ve never heard if this before, my little lady took a while to get the hang of drinking out of a freeflow beaker, this looks interesting x #KCACOLS

    Reply
    • amomentwithfranca says

      14 July 2018 at

      Yes it is very helpful. Bothmy girls used them. 🙂

      Reply
  17. SARAH | Mummykind says

    14 July 2018 at

    Olivia loves having an open cup, I think it makes her feel grown up! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  18. Samantha O'D says

    14 July 2018 at

    I have seen them before but have never tried one with my girls

    Reply
  19. Christy says

    14 July 2018 at

    I’m definitely going to buy a Doidy Cup as they look like really good value for money. My son is still struggling with a freeflow cups but I need to move him off his bottle soon. #KCACOLS

    Reply
    • amomentwithfranca says

      18 July 2018 at

      Yes, give this a go! It is very helpful! I hope he likes it! X

      Reply
  20. Rebecca Whatmore says

    16 July 2018 at

    I have never seen them before, but they look good.

    Reply
  21. paula cheadle says

    18 July 2018 at

    I’d not heard of the Doidy cup before, but going to look for one, has my granddaughter will need one soon

    Reply
    • amomentwithfranca says

      18 July 2018 at

      Yes, let her try it. It is very good! It was fantastic for my girls. I hope she likes it! 🙂

      Reply
  22. Natalie Crossan says

    18 July 2018 at

    I hadn’t actually heard of this until today but it sounds mighty useful”

    Reply
  23. Jennifer Baker says

    18 July 2018 at

    Not heard of this before! would love to try it out xxxx

    Reply
  24. carol boffey says

    18 July 2018 at

    great giveaway

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Franca. Blogger for 9 yrs, exploring lifestyle, family, travel. Ex-lawyer turned full-time digital creator. Love testing and reviewing new products, services, and destinations. Read More…

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