Encouraging Baby’s Independence with Élhée Training Cups

Bringing a child into the world is, through this act of love, choosing to guide and raise the future adult within them. Every parent wants that future adult to be fulfilled and independent. Yet, autonomy starts from a very young age and develops throughout childhood, and then adolescence, and even into adulthood. That being said, did you know there are various stages and forms of autonomy? Élhée takes a closer look here at the physical autonomy of babies from six months to three years, supported by its new learning bottle. Attention... Unboxing ahead!

CONTENTS:

• Why encourage autonomy in babies?
• Promoting baby's autonomy: different stages by age
• Brand new and beautiful: Élhée introduces its learning bottle
• The learning bottle, a springboard to autonomy
• In summary: how can you foster baby’s autonomy?

Why encourage autonomy in babies?

You might think that babies don't need to worry about autonomy. That’s both true and false. Of course, your newborn is entirely dependent on you in the first weeks. But soon enough, by learning to sleep through the night on their own (and thus soothing themselves back to sleep without you), by spacing out feedings (and thus managing hunger better), or by attempting their first movements, your baby takes new steps toward independence.

Why are these steps so important? Because autonomy, through discovery, problem-solving, learning, and achievement, gives your baby an understanding of their environment. It also helps them gain confidence, develop creativity, and pay more attention, earlier, to what they are doing.

Promoting baby's autonomy: different stages by age

A baby’s independence takes shape step by step, over the months, through new abilities and experiences. Moreover, a toddler’s range of action expands alongside their cognitive and motor skills.

• Before three months, we don't really talk about autonomy yet, but parents can still encourage its development by gently supporting each of their baby’s needs, providing them with as much stability as possible.
• Between three months and one year the first signs of autonomy appear. Baby starts to sleep and fall asleep alone. Slowly, feedings get farther apart, while the beginnings of verbal communication start to develop. At this age, infants also begin to drink on their own: first from a bottle, then from a sippy cup, training bottle, or tumbler.
• From one year to about three years old, big milestones toward independence are achieved: first movements (tummy scooting, crawling, then walking), first words, beginning potty training, and discovering “no”. It's also during this time that your baby will start feeding themselves, with varying degrees of neatness. To encourage curiosity about food and the introduction of solids, baby-led weaning (BLW) is a great option.

As you know, Élhée supports your baby from birth with its bibRonds 150, 8oz, and 11oz. For older kids, it's time to discover the Élhée learning bottle—for even more fun and independence!

Brand new and beautiful: Élhée introduces its learning bottle

Just like its big brother, the ergonomic, healthy bottle made in France, the brand new Élhée learning bottle is: unbreakable and easy to grip thanks to its soft silicone body, and also totally suitable for supporting autonomy with its anti-leak spout.

• Unbreakable: Like the bibRond, the Élhée training bottle is made of medical-grade silicone, 100% healthy and 100% safe for your child. Both soft and strong, this innovative material has a huge advantage for supporting young children’s independence—it can withstand anything without breaking, deforming, or cracking. The Élhée learning bottle can be thrown, squished, or dropped: it won’t get damaged and neither will your child.
• Easy to grip: Thanks to the amazing soft silicone material, the Élhée learning bottle can be used by any tiny hands. Élhée recommends it from six months old. Its exclusively round design makes things even easier, for a bottle that fits perfectly in the palm—ready for all those first adventures.
• Equipped with an anti-leak spout: The Élhée learning bottle is perfect for little ones who want to learn to drink like grown-ups. It allows for a confident, gentle transition from baby’s bottle to cup.

The learning bottle, a springboard to autonomy

Sucking is both a physical need and a genuine pleasure for babies. Still, eventually, your child will push away their bottle and let you know they want to try something new. It’s because they see what you do, because they are curious, and because they want to drink like the grown-ups now.

Just as a highchair and suction plate let your child sit with you at the table to eat, the Élhée learning bottle is the new must-have for developing independence.

• Your child no longer spills (or almost never spills) their drink.
• Lightweight and easy to take anywhere, your child can bring their bottle wherever they go.
• Being able to do things “like the grown-ups” reduces their frustration. 
• Whether it’s just a little thirst or dehydration, the bottle offers a perfect size that lets your child manage their own drinking needs independently.
• Water, freshly squeezed juice, flavored water, or milk—the bottle can be used for almost any drink.

Beyond accessories and gear, children’s and babies’ autonomy can also be encouraged through a general mindset—one of trust: trust in yourself, and trust in your child, so that in turn, your child will trust themselves.

Children’s independence around the world

In some Asian or Latin American countries, young parents barely use diapers. Instead, they count on their baby’s independence to help with potty training. Also called Elimination Communication (EC), this ecological and intuitive method, based on babies signaling when they need to go, is gaining fans all over the world.

In the Netherlands, children—even at a very young age—are seen as full individuals. Parents give them significant independence, especially regarding decisions that affect them, for which their child’s opinion is always sought and considered.

Finally, in Germany, it's not uncommon to see children going out alone on errands or to the playground. It's also typical for daycares to organize overnight or even multi-day trips with young children—without their parents.

In summary: how can you foster baby’s autonomy?

• Practice free movement to spark curiosity and support hands-on learning.

• Adapt and secure their environment (low shelves or baskets so baby can easily grab toys, a mattress on the floor so they can go to bed when tired, etc.).

• Encourage initiative and praise accomplishments (bravo!).

• Let them manage their food when possible (on-demand breastfeeding, BLW, learning bottle, etc.).

• Try Elimination Communication (EC).

• Guide your child—explain slowly but always avoid doing things for them. 

• Always take your time and be as patient and supportive as possible.