A colourful drinking bottle: for an adult, it is often nothing more than a functional object – hydration in a flashy package. For children, a colourful drinking cup is so much more: a source of fun, something that feels familiar, sometimes even a comfort object... But why do children have such a preference for colourful drinking bottles? And how do you avoid tears when it's time for a new bottle?
The effect of colour on children
Colours have a direct impact on our emotions, and this effect is even stronger on babies and young children. Each shade evokes specific feelings, which explains why your child sometimes insists on having that particular drinking bottle.
- Blue and green: reflect the sky and nature around us: a refreshing and timeless colour palette with a calming and soothing effect.
- Orange and yellow: radiate energy and joy. Ideal for active children who are always on the move (or want to be).
- Purple and pink: these sugary shades stimulate imagination and creativity. A cute choice for little dreamers with lots of imagination.
A first expression of identity
Did you know that in the first few weeks after birth, babies only see the world in black, white and grey? They mainly respond to contrasts, primary colours and the difference between light and dark. It is only after 3 to 4 months that your child can see different colours and clearly distinguish between them. A drinking bottle is then not only a thirst quencher, but also a boost for their visual development.
Despite persistent cultural stereotypes (read: “pink is for girls”), a favourite colour is mainly individual and age-related. So when your child always chooses that one yellow cup or the blue bottle with stars, it is a conscious expression of taste – and preference.
But there are other reasons why your child chooses colour so often:
- Increase independence: a colourful drinking bottle helps children learn to recognise their own belongings more quickly. This is also useful if the drinking bottle ends up in the lost property box.
- It's simply much more fun: a colourful drinking cup really encourages your child to drink more water.
- It matches their interests: does your child love fishing? Then they will consciously choose a bottle that matches that interest, such as one with a shark pattern or an ocean blue design.
- A way to stand out: a colourful drinking cup is also a fun way to be unique compared to brothers, sisters or friends.
What if your child becomes attached to one favourite drinking bottle?
For your child, a drinking bottle is also a source of security and stability. The familiar feeling of that one cup provides reassurance – at home, on the go and at nursery. Sometimes your child will only want to drink from their Favourite Bottle, and will ruthlessly refuse anything else.
Occasionally, this preference goes so far that the bottle takes on an emotional value, comparable to a cuddly toy or a comfort blanket. Some children therefore do not want to give up their bottle at all, even though it actually needs replacing.
Lost or worn-out drinking bottle? 4 tips for a smooth transition
But what do you do when your beloved drinking bottle is really worn out? Or when you (oh no!) lose the comfort bottle? Fortunately, there are several ways to ease the transition:
- Buy a spare: is your child a fan of pink and prints? Then it's a good idea to buy two of those flamingo cups. That way, you can avoid tears when the original is lost or worn out.
- Find a worthy replacement: choose a cup in the same colour or with a familiar pattern. Children feel more comfortable with something new if it is recognisable.
- Involve your child in the choice: let your child choose the new drinking bottle themselves. This way, it seems as if your little one has made the choice themselves. That makes the transition a little sweeter.
- Make it a celebration: celebrate the arrival of the new cup together. Balloons and confetti are not necessary, but organise a small festive moment, for example through a game, to welcome the new cup and wave goodbye to the old one (or pass it on to a thirsty cuddly toy).
Cheers!
A colourful drinking bottle is so much more than just an everyday item for children. Colours bring joy, recognition and a sense of safety. They help your child develop their own identity. By letting your child choose, you support that development and make drinking a positive experience.
Stressed about choosing? No need to be. At Nûby, you'll find a wide range of leak-proof drinking cups in all kinds of colours, including bright colour combinations and a range of fun patterns: animals, glitter, flowers, stars... Glitter is optional, but highly recommended for little trendsetters who want to hydrate with an extra high fun factor. This way, every child can find a drinking bottle that suits them.
