Picking a sippy cup seems like a simple task. You just go to the store and grab the best looking choice, right? Wrong.
You could get lucky and grab the best sippy cup on the first try. Chances are you aren’t that lucky and you end up with spills everywhere. Juice spills on the couch, the floor, and all over your carpet. Despite the tag that says “spill-proof,” it spills everywhere – ironic.
Believe it or not, you need a certain strategy to pick the right sippy cup for your child. Certain ages need different cups, and each child likes different things. Some babies prefer straws, and some will only use a hard spout. Babies can be difficult and picky at times.
So, we wanted to review and show you the best sippy cups based on age and features that your baby may or may not like. What works for an 18-month-old toddler probably won’t work for your six months old who is just learning how to eat solid foods. Different age ranges require different qualities. So, let’s get started!
You might wonder if there is a right – or wrong – age to introduce a sippy cup. The purpose of a sippy cup is to transition away from a bottle to a real cup. Babies don’t have the motor skills to properly handle a real cup without causing spills all day long.
Most parents introduce a sippy cup around six months old. You don’t want to just suddenly remove the bottle cold turkey at one year old. Instead, introducing a sippy cup earlier allows for a gentle transition. If your child isn’t ready for a sippy cup then, you should make sure to introduce one no later than nine months old to give ample time before his first birthday.
Doctors recommend that parents wean their babies off of bottles between 12 and 18 months. It protects their developing teeth and, if you wait too much longer, your child will start to fight getting rid of it. Toddlers can become attached to their bottles, making the process much harder.
What are The Different Kinds of Sippy Cups?
One stop in the baby aisle and you’ll notice that there are dozens of different sippy cups, and they all seem different! Just like everything else, there are different kinds of sippy cups available. Here are the most common types of sippy cups!
Trainer cups, as you might imagine, “train” your child how to use a sippy cup properly. These cups are for infants 4 to 9 months, and they have two handles, making it easy for your child to hold. The spouts are soft, similar to a bottle nipple, making it an easier transition for your young baby.
Straw Cups
Some parents are concerned with prolonged use of spouted cups. There is a concern that those cups can lead to speech problems or dental issues. Many parents opt to start with strawed cups, or you can transition to straw cups as your baby gets a bit older, The straw cup is the best sippy cup for 1-2 year olds babies.
One concern about straw cups is that they are harder to get clean and harder to take apart. Think about it – you can’t take apart a straw! Also, most regular sippy cups and bottles need to be tipped back to work. Straw cups, on the other hand, must be leveled, rather than tipped up, to work. That can be very confusing for little ones who don’t understand that you tip back a bottle but not their new cup.
That doesn’t apply to those new weighted straws that keep the straw in the liquid. This variety is popular, but they are more expensive than other types.
PROS:
Good for breastfed babies
If your child likes to suck harder
Good option if child refuses regular sippy cup.
CONS:
Not good for younger babies.
Don’t give as first-time sippy cup
Soft Spouted Cups
Some cups have wide, silicone spouts that are made out of the same material as a bottle nipple. They are flexible and feels familiar to babies used to drinking from a bottle. They are most commonly found in training cups
PROS:
Best for bottle-fed babies
Good for babies who don’t like hard spouts
Ideal for babies who don’t want to give up the bottle.
CONS:
Not good for toddlers.
Don’t give to babies with teeth who like to chew on the spouts of their cups.
Hard Spouted Cups
Older toddlers eventually move onto a hard spouted sippy cups. If you imagine a sippy cup, these are probably the image that pops into your mind. You can put them into backpacks because most are spill proof. Some are insulated as well! Many have stoppers inside that only allow the liquid to flow in one direction.
PROS:
Great for toddlers and preschoolers
Good for babies who are used to a sippy cup.
CONS:
Not good for younger babies
Don’t give as the first sippy cup.
Parts of a Sippy Cup
Before we start the review, it’s important that you know the parts of a sippy cup. It helps you understand reach review better!
Spout: The spout is where a child sucks to get liquid from the cup. It functions sort of like a nipple of a bottle, and it’s usually part of the lid.
Lid: It’s the top of the sippy cup.
Valve: In order to prevent a cup from leaking when your child isn’t drinking, a valve is placed into the lid. Most valves are a removable, plastic piece, but some are directly built into the spout.
Cup: The cup is the main part of the sippy cup, the part that holds the liquid.
Handles: Everyone knows what handles are! Some sippy cups have handles, others don’t. Handles are definitely a necessity for training cups. Some handles are removable, but others
How to Pick the Best Sippy Cup
Picking the right sippy cup can be hard, but it’s easier if you know what you want. Don’t go to the store and just grab the cheapest thing you find. On rare occasion, those cheap cups might work for your child, but most of the time, you just end up with a mess on the floor.
Kids make messes; we all know that. To avoid extra messes, here is how to pick the best sippy cup.
Decide Hard or Soft Spout
If this is the first sippy cup your child has ever tried, definitely go with a soft spout. Young infants do best with a soft spout that reminds them of the bottle. If your child is showing interested in regular cups or is a bit older, you can try a harder spout. Harder spouts are what you will transition your baby to as he gets older as well.
Material
What do you want the cup to be made with? You can find cups with a variety of materials such as plastic, silicone, latex, stainless steel, glass, and aluminum. If you’re concerned with the possible toxicity of plastic, go with stainless steel or glass. Don’t worry about the glass breaking; most use specially treated glass that stands up to the abuse of a toddler.
Handles or No Handles
Sippy cups come either with or without handles, so there is no right or wrong choice. For younger infants, it’s better to pick handles because it’s easier for your baby to pick the cup up and hold correctly. Handles stop your baby from accidentally dropping the cup all the time as well. Older infants don’t need handles!
Leakproof
Leakproof is a necessity, not just a nice feature, unless you enjoy cleaning up messes. We’re sure you don’t! You need a cup that has a valve to prevent liquid from coming out when your child leaves it laying on the floor.
The Best Trainer Sippy Cups - Ages 4 to 9 Months
1
NUK Learner Sippy Cup
Features:
Dishwasher Safe
BPA Free
The silicone spout is shaped like a bottle, so it’s easy for your baby to use and understand.
The spout features a built-in air vent that ensures your baby swallows liquid, not air, reducing gas.
The NUK Learner is one of the best trainer cups, encouraging your baby’s transition from breast or bottle to cup. It is a unique cup that has a soft spout which is gentle on your baby’s gums. The handles are easy to grip and removable, so the cup grows with your child.
NUK sells this cup in several different styles and patterns. If you want a larger cup than 5 ounces, NUK sells as Larger Learner that has all of the same features but holds up to 10 ounces of liquid!
PROS:
Handles for Easy Holding
Silicone Spout
Dishwasher Safe
Available in Larger Size
CONS:
Doesn’t Come with Bottle Nipple for Transitioning
Biters Can Easily Destroy the Spout
2
Nuby No-Spill Super Spout
Features:
The easy to grip handles are perfect for small infants.
Two cups come in the pack, and each cup holds 8 ounces of liquid.
Nuby uses a one-piece, ultra-hygienic, silicone spout that’s easy to clean.
The spout is designed to prevent drips and spills.
Nuby is a favorite among many parents, mostly because they are extremely affordable. Called the 1st Sipeez, the goal of these cups is to help your baby transition from bottle feeding to drinking independently. The no-spill soft, flexible silicone spout promotes the natural drinking action.
PROS:
Very Affordable
Silicone Spout
Grips on Handle
Two Cups in Pack
CONS:
Cheaply Made
Need to Bite the Spout
3
Philips Avent – My Natural Trainer Cup
Features:
The trainer handles have soft grips to make it easier for your child to hold.
The parts are compatible with the Philips Avent Natural bottles.
Avent used a naturally shaped, flexible spout that makes it easy for your child to learn how to use.
All pieces are BPA-free materials.
The transparent cup makes it easy for parents to put in the correct amount of fluids.
It starts with a breast-shaped, medium-flow nipple for your young infant to start using.
Avent offers a fantastic choice for a trainer cup because it comes with a nipple and a spout, making it like a transformer cup. You can start by offering it with a nipple, but your baby can hold it on his own. Then, transition him to the soft spout. Avent includes a cover, so you can keep it clean in the diaper bag.
PROS:
Comes with Nipple and Spout
Soft Grips for Holding
Interchangeable Parts
Flexible Spouts
CONS:
Several Pieces to Keep Clean
Wider Than Other Cups
Lid Can be Removed Easily
4
Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Cup
Features:
It’s super easy to clean with only 3 pieces.
The shape of the handles is easy for babies to hold.
All materials are BPA free!
Each cup holds 7 ounces of liquid and comes in three different color choices.
They sell a larger version without handles for babies who need more to drink or no longer need the handles!
Parents are going nuts for the Miracle 360 Cup! These spoutless cups are highly rated and easy to use for babies. If your baby has a hard time transitioning from breast to bottle or bottle to sippy cup, a 360 is a great compromise.
The Miracle 360 cups are unique because they’re lip activated. Your child can drink from anywhere around the rim, just like they can on a regular cup. These cups help support normal muscle development in your child’s mouth. Many dentists highly recommend this style of cups for kids!
When your child isn’t drinking from the cup, it won’t spill because it seals itself. However, if your baby does throw it on the ground at the right angle, chances are some drops will escape the cup. Also, this type of cup does take some kids longer to understand, but it does make it easier to switch to drinking open cups.
Word of advice: always remove the silicone ring on the top of the cup. It’s easily removed, but it can harbor mold if you don’t remove it.
PROS:
Recommended by Dentists
Handles are Easy to Hold
BPA Free
Sold in Larger Versions
CONS:
Will Leak of Dropped
Takes Longer for Babies to Understand
Can’t See How Much Liquid is Inside
The Best Straw Cup for 9 and 15 months of olds
One thing you should note about all straw cups is that liquid does tend to come up out of the top of the straw if the temperature changes. For example, if you put cold milk into the cup and wait to open it for a half an hour, there is a good chance the temperature change will build up the pressure, causing it to pop out the top.
1
Nuby Flex Straw
Features:
The straw and valve are built together with soft silicone to make it easier to keep clean.
Leaks and drips are rare because the one-piece valve opens only when your child sips on the straw.
There are finger grips around the body of the sippy cup, making it easier for your child to hold onto his cup.
Once again, we had to include Nuby on our list! These straw cups come in a pack of 2 and are the cheapest on our list for straw cups, but that doesn’t mean they’re a bad choice! The No-Spill Straw Cups are better for babies 12 months and older.
We really like the long, flexible straw that makes it easy for your child to use. The cup doesn’t leak unless your cup chucks it across the room and hits the wall. Ask us how we know that.
We did notice that the liquid flow feels a bit slower than other straw cups. It’s not the same as sucking on a straw from a to-go cup. Your child might feel a bit frustrated with it at times if that is what they like.
PROS:
Affordable Packs of 2
Built Together Straw and Valve
Leakproof
Grips around Cup
CONS:
Harder to Clean Valve and Straw
Flow is Slower
Cheaply Made
No Top to Cover Straw
2
B. Box
Features:
Each cup holds 8 ounces of liquid.
All of the components are dishwasher safe, made with polypropylene and silicone. Make sure to keep them on the top rack only.
You can purchase replacement straws and a cleaning brush separately.
B. Box belongs in the weighted straw up category. We like that the B. Box is a bit wider and more stable than other cups. The relief valve is a bit larger, so it doesn’t seem to have as much liquid that comes out of the top, but it still happens. The cup has easy to grip handles, perfect for little infants.
PROS:
Wider, Stable Cup
Larger Relief Valve
Dishwasher Safe
Handle Grips
CONS:
No Top to Cover Straw
3
Philips Avent My Bendy Straw Cup
Features:
The cups are BPA-free and dishwasher safe.
Avent added anti-slip texture grips and a contoured shape to make gripping the bottle even easier for little hands.
The unique bent straw allows it to reach all of the liquid in the cup even in a natural drinking position.
An integrated anti-leak valve stops spilling. The cup comes with a 100% leak-proof, 30-day money back guarantee.
When you’re on the go, use the flip-top to close the cup.
This cup is best for kids who are 12 months and older.
Here is another product by Avent! These cups come in packs of two with four different color options. Each cup holds 10 ounces of liquid. My Bendy Cups are leak and spill-proof, and Avent offers a money back guarantee if they don’t work for you. That’s pretty awesome! Just like their Trainer cup listed above, you can mix and match with other Avent bottle and cup parts.
Best of all, Avent claims that 90% of U.S. pediatric dentists agree that the design allows for healthy oral development. This cup is recommended by dentists, so parents can feel comfortable using it!
One thing to note is that these cups can be hard to clean, so you should avoid using milk in them. Those little nooks and crannies harbor bacteria and mold easily, so you may find that you have to toss them after extended use. They might be best just for water!
PROS:
Money Back Guarantee
Texture Grips on Handle
Flip Top to Close the Cup
Integrated Valve Prevents Spills
Bent Straw to Reach All Liquid
CONS:
Hard to Get Clean
4
CamelBak Eddy Kids
Features:
The cup is stain-resistant.
It is 100 percent BPA, BPS, BPF free!
The design makes the cup spill-resistant.
We like that all of the parts are easy to remove, which means it can get clean easily without the risk of mold.
The valve threads securely through the lid and won’t pop off in little hands.
It’s easy to carry for on the go hydration. The integrated loop handle lets you clip it to your diaper bag or carry in your hand.
Active families will love the Camelbak, which is a 12 ounce straw cup. There are over 20 different styles available, so one will make your toddler happy! CamelBak uses their patented Big Bite valve that has a stem tube and shut-off valve. It comes as a one-piece component for cleaning. All of the pieces are top rack dishwasher safe!
PROS:
Great for Toddlers
Stain-Resistant
Integrated Valve and Stem
Loop for Easy Carrying
CONS:
Pricey
Not Good for Younger Babies
The Best Spouted Cups - Sippy cup for toddlers
1
The First Years – Take & Toss
Features:
All of the cups and lids are stackable, which saves you space in your cabinets or diaper bag.
They are dishwasher safe, but you do need to use the top rack only.
The First Years cps are BPA, PVC, and phthalate free.
Parents love the easy snap-on, valve-free design that is still spill-proof and easy to clean.
A travel cap comes, which lets you cover and protect the spout while you’re on the go.
Take & Toss cups are perfect for traveling or to keep as spares at your house. These cups are super cheap and durable, which you might not expect because of the price. Toddlers tend to lose their sippy cups, and with these, that’s not big deal! Sippy cups tend to go missing, and the Take & Toss cups make it no big deal
These cups hold 10 ounces of liquid and come in a four pack of brightly colored cups. Kids love the colors, and all of the lids and cups work together. If you really need a budget choice, you can’t beat these!
PROS:
Affordable set of 4
Cups and Lids are Stackable
Dishwasher Safe
Easy Snap On Lids
CONS:
Break Easily
Leak Easier Than Other Cups
2
Gerber Graduates – Fun Grips
Features:
Gerber added texture to the shape for easy gripping.
The hard spout is bite resistant, so those sharp toddler teeth won’t rip them!
To make sure the cups are sealed correctly, align the arrows on the sides of the cup.
Everyone knows Gerber, so it’s no wonder that their Fun Grips Cups are a favorite among parents and toddlers. The hourglass shape makes it easy for children to hold, and it also provides stability. When your clumsy toddler places it on a table, it’s less likely to topple over. They are spill-proof because of a removable value in the lid, but make sure to remove the valve for each washing!
The only downside that we see about the Gerber Graduates Cups is that they are pretty wide cupholders, like in your stroller or car seat. So, they might not be the ideal travel cup for your child. These cps are better for children 12 months and older due to the hard spouts.
PROS:
Shape is Easy to Hold
Removable Valve
Spout is Bite Resistant
Arrows to Help Align Lid
CONS:
Too Wide for Cup Holders
Valves are Hard to Clean
3
Playtex Insulated Spouted Cup
Features:
A thin, tapered spout that is perfect for little toddlers.
The patented, easy to clean, spill-proof valve stops liquid from escaping and is activated when your child sips.
The cup is durable and break-proof.
You can interchange the lid with all Playtex Twist ‘n Click cups.
Is your child a Disney lover? The Playtex Insulated Cup features adorable Disney prints. We love that these cups are insulated, making them a great choice for summer days or long trips. These cups are sold in most supermarkets, so they’re easy to find and come in a variety of prints.
These cups use the “Twist ‘n Click” feature that means all you have to do is twist the lid onto the cup until you hear and feel a click which indicates that the lid is closed. When its closed, the cup is 100% leak and spill-proof.
PROS:
Insulated
Easy to Find
Comes in Cute Prints
Leakproof
Great for Toddlers
CONS:
Valve is Hard to Clean
Not Ideal for Infants
How Can I Help My Baby Take a Sippy Cup?
Transitioning to a sippy cup can either be very easy or very hard. Some babies just want to hold onto their bottles for as long as possible. Here are some tips to make the transition easier!
Start off with a sippy cup that has a soft spout because it’s what your baby is used to using. Bottles and breast are soft.
Make sure to demonstrate how to use it.
Offer the cup with every meal and encourage him to try it, but don’t force it. Don’t make a huge deal out of the cup!
Start off with water rather than juice, especially if you’re worried about spills. Juice and milk are harder to clean up.
Try more than one type. Some babies respond better to different sippy cups, just like not all bottles work for every baby. There are so many choices out there; don’t keep a cup your child hates and doesn’t want to use.
What Can I Put in a Sippy Cup?
What you put into your child’s sippy cup will depend on his age!
Babies who are under the age of six months old only need breast milk or formula in their normal quantity. They don’t even need water at this age.
After six months old, you can introduce water and some parents offer highly diluted juice as well. Juice can help a constipated baby!
Don’t offer things like sweet tea, artificial drinks or soda, or undiluted juice to babies this age. It’s not necessary and can damage their little teeth. Remember that breast milk or formula is the primary nutrition for the first year of life, so consider limiting drinks to just water to avoid your baby filling up on other goodies.
You don’t want to spend your entire paycheck trying different sippy cups – we get it! Any of these cups could be the perfect pick for your baby. You may have to try one or two different ones to figure out what your child prefers.
It’s okay if your child doesn’t want to take the cup at first. Be consistent and keep offering with each meal. All babies follow their own timeline, and eventually he will find one that he loves!
Do you have a favorite sippy cup for your child? Let us know in the comments!
