The Child Who Has Trouble Using a Straw
Chewing on a straw or spilling may not mean a child doesn't want to. It can be a sign they're still learning how to use their lips and tongue.
Some children drink water from a cup just fine but struggle as soon as you hand them a straw. Many parents wonder when their child will be able to use a straw and why they keep chewing on it.
Drinking Through a Straw Is a More Complex Skill Than It Looks
Using a straw involves several hidden steps. The child has to close their lips around the straw, use the tongue and cheeks to create suction, and then use that force to draw liquid into the mouth. That's why some children find a straw harder than a cup.
Do you often see these?
- Keeps chewing on the straw
- Often spills
- Holds liquid in the mouth without swallowing
- Drinks well from a cup
It may not be that they don't want to, but that they're still learning how to use their lips and tongue. Eating and drinking take more development than you might think. When your child struggles with a straw, instead of "Why can't they do it?", try asking "Which step is still hard for them?" Thinking back to how your child acted the first time they used a straw can also give you clues.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-07
This article provides general information only. Your child's developmental needs and treatment plan are determined through consultation and assessment.