Sippy Cups, Thumb Sucking Can Cause Speech Problems in Tots, Doctors Say

Feb. 11, 2008 (New York) -- Toddlers could develop lisps and other speech problems from use of sippy cups, says a speech pathologist. Sippy cups -- the often character-themed training cups that come with a snap-on lid and hard spout -- and/or thumb sucking can cause difficulty with articulation and clarity of speech in some children, says Sandra Holtzman, MS, a speech pathologist and certified orofacial myologist in Coconut Creek, Fla.