Just adding my 2 cents.

From my clinical experience, there is no contraindication to giving liquids
(using the generic term) infants under 4 months of age with a cup or spoon.
 In fact, even premature infants can be taught to cup feed.

Far better to use this technique if there is a concern re nipple confusion or
appriopiate technique for cleaning (cups and spoons are far easier to clean
than baby bottles:)!

Now,  I avoid giving solids/beikost via spoon to infants until 4-6 months of
age (and of course never ever by bottle!).  Somewhere around that time they
are less likely to do tongue thrusting out of solids.  Of course I have had
patients and known of other babies that did not "get the hang of" taking
solid foods until much later (8-12 months).



Pierrette Mimi Poinsett MD FAAP
pediatrician and breastfeeding mom
Modesto CA
Breast Milk Rules!