The Oral Health Foundation has given its seal of approval to Babycup, the first open cup specially designed for infants' and toddlers' small hands. The Foundation's expert panel has accredited the product, which helps aid good oral health in young children by encouraging healthy sipping and natural drinking as well as supporting oral development.

Each product that passes through the charity's panel of experts is awarded an 'Oral Health Foundation Approved' status once their claims have been rigorously checked and effectively verified, including a logo and accreditation document. Prior to their accreditation, Babycup had won multiple awards. The cup holds 50 ml of liquid and has a slim drinking edge designed for young mouths.

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The cup is perfect for any infant between 0-2.5 years as it can be used right from birth, whether you're express feeding, using formula or a combination of the two. It's much better for oral development than a traditional 'sippy cup' because it encourages natural sipping instead of prolonged sucking.

Nigel Carter, Oral Health Foundation CEO and dentist for over 40 years said: 'We welcome this new partnership with Babycup and are happy to provide them with accreditation for their cup product. This is the first free drinking cup for tiny hands to be approved by the panel.

'Developing proper drinking habits at an early age is vital for oral development. Primary [milk] teeth are crucial to jaw development, speech development and adult teeth placement.'

Founder of Babycup Sara Keel said: 'Receiving the seal of approval from the Oral Health Foundation is a great achievement and recognises the importance of our mini open cups in the eyes of oral healthcare experts'.

There are lots more products approved by the Oral Health Foundation for babies, toddlers and young children. To find out more about Babycup visit www.babycup.co.uk.