Plenty of parents find sippy cups a handy baby essential, especially for kids just starting with their first solid foods. Sippy cups can help your baby transition from a baby bottle to an open cup. It’s even a good idea to pick one that can convert into a toddler cup.
Risks Of Sippy Cup Use
Speech-language pathologists warn against using these baby essentials because they might impede proper speech development. (1) Data also indicates that lacerations and other injuries experienced a fall while using the product account for 14.3% of ER visits of children below three years old. (2) The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends transitioning to a cup to avoid these risks. (2)
What You Can Do
Try to limit sippy cup use to the first few months of eating solids. You can also teach them to use an open cup by one year of age.
Types (Sippy Cups & Other Transition Cups)
Hard-Spouted Sippy Cups Soft-Spout Sippy Cups 360° Or Spoutless Cups Straw Sippy Cups
What’s The Best Type Of Sippy Cup To Pick?
Because they don’t have spouts that could potentially impede speech development, 360° or spoutless cups are the best choices. (1) However, it’s still good to consider other factors, such as the cup material, spill-proof design, and an easy grip, before deciding which one to pick.
Are Soft Or Hard Sippy Cups Better?
Soft, silicone spouts are less likely to cause permanent damage to your baby’s more sensitive gums and lips.
Is A Sippy Cup Or Straw Better?
A straw sippy cup (or sippy cup with a straw) is better than a traditional sippy cup. (3) A sippy cup encourages a forward tongue resting position, resulting in a frontal lingual lisp. In contrast, a straw cup can help build your baby’s lip, cheek, and tongue strength, promoting proper tongue resting position for future speech development and proper swallow pattern. (3)
Our Top Picks For The Best Sippy Cups
The following are our recommendations on the best sippy cups to choose from, depending on the category. We also add a few toddler cups to help your baby transition to open cups.
360° Or Spoutless Cups
Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Cup ($7.39, 7 oz) – Toddler training cup that lets your child drink from any edge with a spill-proof design that automatically seals when your baby stops drinking
Nuk Evolution 360 Cup ($10.99, 8 oz) – Ergonomic cup shape for your child to drink from any edge, but with a spill-proof design; it can be used interchangeably with NUK Evolution cups, lids, and straws
Reflo Smart Cup ($9.99, 6 fl oz with the Reflo insert or 10 fl oz as a regular cup) – Rotating spoutless training cup for 360-degree use from any edge; spill-proof design that converts into a regular drinking cup
Spout Cups
The First Years Take & Toss Sippy Cup (Pack of four – $2.99, 10 oz) – Budget-friendly spill-proof sippy cups with a snap-on lid on the spout; they’re recyclable in some places, offer lid replacement parts, and you can reuse or simply toss them away
NUK Simply Natural Learner Cup ($9.99, 5 oz or 9 oz) – Spill-proof sippy cup designed to help your baby transition from a baby bottle, with a removable handle and an extra wide, soft silicone spout with anti-colic air vents
Nuby 3D Character Cup ($8.99, 12 oz) – Sippy cup with 3D character designs on the silicone spout with a pressure-sensitive TOUCH-FLO valve and a narrow cup design to fit tiny hands; available in octopus, shark, frog, and alligator 3D designs
Tommee Tippee Superstar Training Sippee Cup ($9.49, 10 oz) – Stylish sippy cup with BACSHIELD antibacterial technology, INTELLIVALVE anti-leak technology, semi-soft but bite-resistant spout, and a break-proof, drop-proof, and throw-proof body
Herobility Eco Sippy Cup ($11.88, 4.7 oz) – Eco-friendly gentle sippy cup with a detachable no-spill valve, adorable animal design (with tiny feet as support stand), and detachable handles
Straw Cups
Oxo Tot Transitions Straw Cup with Removable Handles ($11.99, 9 oz) – Spill-proof straw cup with removable handles and easily visible measurement markings on the bottle and straw
Munchkin Any Angle Click Lock Trainer Cup With Weighted Straw ($7.39, 7 oz) – Sippy cup with a weighted straw that allows your child to hold the cup at any angle, a flip-top cover to protect the straw, and a straw brush for easy cleaning
ZoLi Bot Weighted Straw Sippy Cup ($14, 6 oz) – Sippy cup with a valve-free flexible straw and weighted ball for babies to use in any cup orientation (even upside down)
Convertible Sippy Cups
Philips Avent My Natural Trainer Cup ($8.99, 5 oz) – Trainer kit with a bottle nipple with anti-colic nipple valves and silicone sippy cup spout
Lalo Little Cup ($12.50, 4 oz) – Convertible sippy cup made from FDA-approved, non-toxic, food-grade silicone that meets ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) safety standards
Re-Play No-Spill Sippy Cup ($5, 10 oz) – Budget-friendly, stackable, eco-friendly no-spill sippy cup made from recycled milk jugs, converts into an open cup, and available in plenty of color choices
Olababy Silicone Training Cup With Lid & Straw ($18.99, 5 oz) – Freezer-safe, microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, and heat-safe training sippy cup that converts into a toddler cup, and made with 100% silicone for a non-toxic baby cup that won’t hurt your little one’s sensitive gums
Glass Or Stainless Steel
Lifefactory Glass Bottle With Sippy Cap ($28.99, 9 oz) – Glass baby bottle that converts into a sippy cup (purchase includes one bottle nipple and two sippy caps)
Pura Kiki 9 oz Straw Stainless Steel Sippy Cup ($26.99, 9 oz) – Stainless steel, insulated sippy cup with a two-piece silicone straw (with a removable internal straw), silicone sleeve, and silicone travel cover
Skip Hop Zoo Toddler Sippy Cup ($18, 12 oz) – Insulated stainless steel bottle with a pop-up lid, easy-grip silicone sleeve, carrying strap, and a flexible silicone straw
NUK Insulated Cup-Like Rim Sippy Cup ($7.54, 10 oz) – Budget-friendly insulated, stainless steel sippy cup
Open-Top Cups
DOIDY Cup ($16.80, 6.8 oz) – Uniquely slanted open cup to help your baby learn how to drink independently; available in a wide range of brightly printed colors
ezpz Tiny Cup ($12.99, 2 oz) – Hypoallergenic, soft silicone open cup that can fit your toddler’s tiny hands
Continue reading to learn more about each sippy cup.
Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Cup
Price
$7.39
What Makes It Special
Type: 360° or spoutless cup
Best Features: Toddler training cup that lets your child drink from any edge with a spill-proof design that automatically seals when your baby stops drinking
Capacity: 7 oz
Age Recommendations: 6+ months old
Handles: Two handles secured from top
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes, top-rack dishwasher
Cleaning: Easy to clean because there are no extra valves, straws, or spouts
Key Features
Material: Plastic
Product Safety: BPA-free (free from toxic bisphenol-A)
Product Recall
None
Cons
Nuk Evolution 360 Cup
Price
Single pack – $10.99 Pack of two – $14.29
What Makes It Special
Type: 360° or spoutless cup
Best Features: Ergonomic cup shape for your child to drink from any edge, but with a spill-proof design; Can be used interchangeably with NUK Evolution cups, lids, and straws
Capacity: 8 oz
Age Recommendations: Not indicated
Handles: No handles
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes, top-rack dishwasher
Cleaning: Fewer parts to clean than regular sippy cups with a spout
Key Features
Material: Plastic
Product Safety: BPA-free
Product Recall
None
Cons
The soft silicone lid might be prone to damage if your baby loves to nibble on its edges.
Reflo Smart Cup
Price
One pack – $9.99 Pack of two – $17.99 Pack of four – $$17.99
What Makes It Special
Type: 360° or spoutless cup
Best Features: Rotating spoutless training cup for 360-degree use from any edge; spill-proof design that converts into a regular drinking cup
Capacity: 6 fl oz (with Reflo insert); 10 fl oz (as a regular cup)
Age Recommendations: 6+ months
Handles: No handles
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes, top-rack dishwasher
Cleaning: Easy to clean, with fewer parts and no threads that can catch or collect dirt and grime
Key Features
Material: Plastic
Product Safety: Free from BPA and phthalates
Product Recall
None
Cons
The First Years Take & Toss Sippy Cup (Disposable)
Price
Regular prints (10 oz), pack of four – $2.99 Regular prints (7 oz), pack of six- $4.99 Disney Pixar Cars (10 oz), pack of three – $5.99 Disney Baby Minnie Mouse (10 oz), pack of three – $5.99
What Makes It Special
Type: Hard-spout cup
Best Features: Budget-friendly spill-proof sippy cups with a snap-on lid on the spout; they’re recyclable in some places, offer lid replacement parts, and you can reuse or simply toss them away
Capacity: 7 or 10 oz
Age Recommendations: 9+ months
Handles: None
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes, top-rack dishwasher
Cleaning: Use a brush to clean the spout
Key Features
Material: Plastic
Product Safety: BPA-free
Product Recall
None
Cons
Some parents complain that this product is difficult to use and the lid doesn’t fit snugly into the cup.
NUK Simply Natural Learner Cup
Price
What Makes It Special
Type: Sippy cup with a spout
Best Features: Spill-proof sippy cup designed to help your baby transition from a baby bottle, with a removable handle and an extra wide, soft silicone spout with anti-colic air vents
Capacity: 5 or 9 oz
Age Recommendations: Not indicated
Handles: Easy-grip, removable handles compatible with NUK Simply Natural bottles
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes, top rack
Cleaning: Be sure to pass soap and water through the gaps in the spout; you can also use a brush
Key Features
Material: Crystal-clear Tritan plastic
Product Safety: BPA-free
Product Recall
None
Cons
The soft silicone spout may be prone to damage and breaking apart, increasing your child’s choking risk.
Nuby 3D Character Cup
Price
$8.99
What Makes It Special
Type: Sippy cup with a spout
Best Features: Sippy cup with 3D character designs on the silicone spout with a pressure-sensitive TOUCH-FLO valve and a narrow cup design to fit tiny hands; available in octopus, shark, frog, and alligator 3D designs
Capacity: 12 oz
Age Recommendations: 9+ months
Handles: None
Dishwasher-Safe: Top rack dishwasher safe
Cleaning: Make sure to clean the nooks and crannies of the silicone spout
Key Features
Material: Plastic cup and 100% silicone spout
Product Safety: BPA-free
Product Recall
None
Cons
The silicone spout might be prone to collecting dirt and grime on the nooks and crannies.
Tommee Tippee Superstar Training Sippee Cup
Price
$9.49
What Makes It Special
Type: Sippy cup with a spout
Best Features: Stylish sippy cup with BACSHIELD antibacterial technology, INTELLIVALVE anti-leak technology, semi-soft but bite-resistant spout, and a break-proof, drop-proof, and throw-proof body
Capacity: 10 oz
Age Recommendations: 6+ months
Handles: Yes, easy-grip handles connected from the top
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes, dishwasher-safe
Cleaning: Easy to clean; dishwasher and sterilizer-safe
Key Features
Material: Plastic
Product Safety: Free from BPA, BPS (bisphenol-S), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), phthalates, and nitrosamines
Product Recall
None
Cons
Semi-soft spout contains silver phosphate glass (but meets ISO 22196 standards) Some complaints about leaking if the product isn’t upright
Herobility Eco Sippy Cup
Price
One pack – $11.88 Pack of three – $35.64
What Makes It Special
Type: Sippy cup with a spout
Best Features: Eco-friendly gentle sippy cup with a detachable no-spill valve, adorable animal design (with tiny feet as support stand), and detachable handles
Capacity: 4.7 oz
Age Recommendations: Not indicated
Handles: Yes, detachable
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes, top rack only
Cleaning: Put extra care into cleaning the nooks and crannies
Key Features
Material: Plastic
Product Safety: Free from BPA, BPS, and other toxic substances
Product Recall
None
Cons
Like other sippy cups with a spout, the holes on the spout, nooks, and crannies on the snap-on covers can be difficult to clean.
Oxo Tot Transitions Straw Cup with Removable Handles
Price
$11.99
What Makes It Special
Type: Sippy cup with straw
Best Features: Spill-proof straw cup with removable handles and easily visible measurement markings on the bottle and straw
Capacity: 9 oz
Age Recommendations: 4+ months
Handles: Yes, removable
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
Cleaning: Removable cap and straw for easy cleaning, but make sure to use a straw brush for cleaning
Key Features
Material: Plastic and silicone
Product Safety: Free from BPA
Product Recall
None
Cons
Straw sippy cups might be more difficult to clean Some complaints about the plastic smell
Munchkin Any Angle Click Lock Trainer Cup With Weighted Straw
Price
$7.39
What Makes It Special
Type: Straw sippy cup
Best Features: Sippy cup with a weighted straw that allows your child to hold the cup at any angle, a flip-top cover to protect the straw, and a straw brush for easy cleaning
Capacity: 7 oz
Age Recommendations: 6+ months
Handles: Yes, connected to the lid
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes, top rack
Cleaning: Includes a straw brush
Key Features
Material: Plastic
Product Safety: BPA-free
Product Recall
None
Cons
Several complaints about leaking from the lid or even the bottom
ZoLi Bot Weighted Straw Sippy Cup
Price
$14
What Makes It Special
Type: Straw sippy cup
Best Features: Sippy cup with a valve-free flexible straw and weighted ball for babies to use in any cup orientation (even upside down)
Capacity: 6 oz
Age Recommendations: Not indicated
Handles: Yes, connected to the lid
Dishwasher-Safe: Not indicated
Cleaning: Available with a cleaning brush option
Key Features
Material: Plastic
Product Safety: Free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates
Product Recall
None
Cons
Straw sippy cups, especially those with weighted balls, are harder to clean than regular hard-spout sippy cups.
Philips Avent My Natural Trainer Cup
Price
$8.99
What Makes It Special
Type: Baby bottle that converts into a sippy cup
Best Features: Trainer kit with a bottle nipple with anti-colic nipple valves and silicone sippy cup spout
Capacity: 5 oz
Age Recommendations: 6+ months
Handles: Yes, attached to the lid
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
Cleaning: Be sure to thoroughly clean the soft parts, especially the anti-colic nipple valves
Key Features
Material: Polypropylene plastic and silicone
Product Safety: Free from BPA
Product Recall
None
Cons
Some complaints about leaking and strong plastic taste
Lalo Little Cup
Price
One pack – $12.50 Pack of two – $23.75 Pack of four – $42.50
What Makes It Special
Type: Straw sippy cup that converts into a soft-spout sippy cup or an open cup
Best Features: Convertible sippy cup made from FDA-approved, non-toxic, food-grade silicone that meets ASTM safety standards
Capacity: 4 oz
Age Recommendations: 4+ months old
Handles: Yes, full handles on both sides
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
Cleaning: Wash and rinse thoroughly, especially after using with foods that typically stain dinnerware (such as tomato sauce and beets)
Key Features
Material: FDA-approved non-toxic, food-grade silicone
Product Safety: BPA-free
Product Recall
None
Cons
Some complaints that the straw can be easily pulled out by playful toddlers, leading to easy spills on the high chair or dining table
Re-Play No-Spill Sippy Cup
Price
Regular design, one pack – $5 Princess design, one pack – $5.50 Fireman design, one pack – $5.50 Regular design, pack of three – $16.99 Regular design, pack of six – $27
What Makes It Special
Type: Hard-spout sippy cup that converts into a toddler cup
Best Features: Budget-friendly, stackable, eco-friendly no-spill sippy cup made from recycled milk jugs, converts into an open cup, and available in plenty of color choices
Capacity: 10 oz
Age Recommendations: Not indicated
Handles: None
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
Cleaning: Be sure to clean the holes and silicone valves thoroughly after each use
Key Features
Material: Recycled recycled FDA-approved polypropylene plastic
Product Safety: Free from BPA, BPS, melamine, and surface coatings
Product Recall
None
Cons
Some complaints about toddlers having difficulties drawing liquids from the cup and a strong plastic scent
Olababy Silicone Training Cup (With Lid & Straw)
Price
Training cup with silicone lid and straw – $18.99 Training cup only – $12.99 Silicone lid and straw only, no cup – $7.99 Training cup bundle with other baby feeding utensils (bowl and plate) – $46.85
What Makes It Special
Type: Straw sippy cup
Best Features: Freezer-safe, microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, and heat-safe training sippy cup that converts into a toddler cup and made with 100% silicone for a non-toxic baby utensil that wouldn’t hurt your little one’s sensitive gums
Capacity: 5 oz
Age Recommendations: 6+ months old
Handles: None
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
Cleaning: Sterilizer ad dishwasher safe
Key Features
Material: 100% silicone
Product Safety: Free from BPA, BPS, PVC, lead, latex, and phthalates
Product Recall
None
Cons
The cup’s soft body can be easily squeezed even by tiny hands, making the lid pop out and causing spillage.
Lifefactory Glass Bottle With Sippy Caps
Price
What Makes It Special
Type: Convertible bottle and sippy cup
Best Features: Glass baby bottle that converts into a sippy cup (purchase includes one bottle nipple and two sippy caps)
Capacity: 9 oz
Age Recommendations: Not indicated
Handles: No handles
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes, top rack
Cleaning: Easy to clean
Key Features
Material: Glass and silicone
Product Safety: Free from BPA
Product Recall
None
Cons
Glass bottles are heavier than most plastic sippy cups or bottles.
Pura Kiki 9 oz Straw Stainless Steel Sippy Cup
Price
$26.99
What Makes It Special
Type: Sippy cup with a silicone straw
Best Features: Stainless steel, insulated sippy cup with a two-piece silicone straw (with a removable internal straw), silicone sleeve, and silicone travel cover
Capacity: 9 oz
Age Recommendations: Not indicated
Handles: None
Dishwasher-Safe: Not indicated
Cleaning: Use a brush to clean the straw
Key Features
Material: 100% stainless steel bottle with silicone straw, sleeves, and travel cover
Product Safety: Stainless steel bottles are free from toxins and don’t leach chemicals into your baby’s milk, water, juice, etc.
Product Recall
None
Cons
Some complaints that the straw design is difficult to use and clean Some concerns about lead in the solder area, but the company claims that this product doesn’t have detectable lead levels and has a third-party MADE SAFE seal (certified products are free from known toxic chemicals)
Skip Hop Zoo Toddler Sippy Cup
Price
$18
What Makes It Special
Type: Sippy cup with straw
Best Features: Insulated stainless steel bottle with a pop-up lid, easy-grip silicone sleeve, carrying strap, and a flexible silicone straw
Capacity: 12 oz
Age Recommendations: One year old and above
Handles: Strap
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes, top rack only
Cleaning: Disassemble before washing
Key Features
Material: Stainless steel and silicone
Product Safety: Free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates
Product Recall
None
Cons
It isn’t a double-walled stainless steel bottle, so condensation can form outside when cold drinks are put inside.
NUK Insulated Cup-Like Rim Sippy Cup
Price
Pack of two – $7.54
What Makes It Special
Type: Hard spout sippy cup
Best Features: Budget-friendly insulated, stainless steel sippy cup
Capacity: 10 oz each
Age Recommendations: Not indicated
Handles: None
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
Cleaning: Easy to clean, but make sure to run soap and water through the holes
Key Features
Material: Stainless steel
Product Safety: Free from BPA
Product Recall
None
Cons
Some complaints about leaking and the inner piece easily becoming moldy
DOIDY Cup
Price
$16.80
What Makes It Special
Type: Open toddler cup
Best Features: Uniquely slanted open cup to help your baby learn how to drink independently; available in a wide range of brightly printed colors
Capacity: 6.8 oz
Age Recommendations: 3+ months (manufacturer’s recommendation)
Handles: Yes, one on each side
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
Cleaning: Easy to clean without lots of nooks and crannies
Key Features
Material: Plastic
Product Safety: Free from BPA, PVC, phthalates
Product Recall
None
Cons
Some parents complain about the product’s design, saying that it didn’t make a difference to their babies Pricier than the other cups on our list
ezpz Tiny Cup
Price
$12.99
What Makes It Special
Type: Open cup
Best Features: Hypoallergenic, soft silicone open cup that can fit your toddler’s tiny hands
Capacity: 2 oz
Age Recommendations: 12+ months
Handles: None
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
Cleaning: Easy to clean, without extra parts or pieces
Key Features
Material: Silicone
Product Safety: Free from BPA, BPS, PVC, and phthalates
Product Recall
None
Cons
Can be smaller and pricier than other toddler cups
Summary & Recommendations
360° Or Spoutless Cups
Choose Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Cup ($7.39, 7 oz) if:
You prefer a toddler training cup that lets your child drink from any edge You want one with a spill-proof design that automatically seals when your baby stops drinking
Choose Nuk Evolution 360 Cup ($10.99, 8 oz) if:
You prefer an ergonomic cup shape for your child to drink from any edge, but with a spill-proof design You want one that can be used interchangeably with NUK Evolution cups, lids, and straws
Choose Reflo Smart Cup ($9.99, 6 fl oz with the Reflo insert or 10 fl oz as a regular cup) if:
You want a rotating spoutless training cup for 360-degree use from any edge You prefer a spill-proof design that converts into a regular drinking cup
Spout Cups
Choose The First Years Take & Toss Sippy Cup (Pack of four – $2.99, 10 oz) if:
You prefer a budget-friendly spill-proof sippy cup with a snap-on lid on the spout You like that they’re recyclable (in some places) You want one that you can reuse or simply toss them away
Choose NUK Simply Natural Learner Cup ($9.99, 5 oz or 9 oz) if:
You prefer a spill-proof sippy cup designed to help your baby transition from a baby bottle You want one with a removable handle You like that it has an extra wide, soft silicone spout with anti-colic air vents
Choose Nuby 3D Character Cup ($8.99, 12 oz) if:
You prefer a sippy cup with 3D character designs on the silicone spout (available in octopus, shark, frog, and alligator 3D designs) You like that it has a pressure-sensitive TOUCH-FLO valve You want a narrow cup design to fit tiny hands
Choose Tommee Tippee Superstar Training Sippee Cup ($9.49, 10 oz) if:
You prefer a stylish sippy cup with BACSHIELD antibacterial technology You want one with anti-leak technology and a semi-soft but bite-resistant spout You like that it has a break-proof, drop-proof, and throw-proof body
Choose Herobility Eco Sippy Cup ($11.88, 4.7 oz) if:
You prefer an eco-friendly gentle sippy cup with a detachable no-spill valve You like the adorable animal design (with tiny feet as support stand) You want one with detachable handles
Straw Cups
Choose Oxo Tot Transitions Straw Cup with Removable Handles ($11.99, 9 oz) if:
You want a spill-proof straw cup with removable handles You prefer a cup that has easily visible measurement markings on the bottle and straw
Choose Munchkin Any Angle Click Lock Trainer Cup With Weighted Straw ($7.39, 7 oz) if:
You want a sippy cup with a weighted straw that allows your child to hold the cup at any angle You prefer one with a flip-top cover to protect the straw You need a straw brush for easy cleaning
Choose ZoLi Bot Weighted Straw Sippy Cup ($14, 6 oz) if:
You want a sippy cup with a valve-free flexible straw and weighted ball for babies to use in any cup orientation (even upside down) You don’t mind the higher price tag
Convertible Sippy Cups
Choose Philips Avent My Natural Trainer Cup ($8.99, 5 oz) if:
You prefer a trainer kit with a bottle nipple with anti-colic nipple valves and silicone sippy cup spout
Choose Lalo Little Cup ($12.50, 4 oz) if:
You want a convertible sippy cup made from FDA-approved, non-toxic, food-grade silicone that meets ASTM safety standards
Choose Re-Play No-Spill Sippy Cup ($5, 10 oz) if:
You prefer a budget-friendly, stackable, eco-friendly no-spill sippy cup made from recycled milk jugs You’re looking for one that converts into an open cup You want to have plenty of color choices
Choose Olababy Silicone Training Cup With Lid & Straw ($18.99, 5 oz) if:
You prefer a freezer-safe, microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, and heat-safe training sippy cup You want one that converts into a toddler cup You like that it’s made with 100% silicone, making it a non-toxic baby utensil that won’t hurt your little one’s sensitive gums You don’t mind the higher price tag
Glass Or Stainless Steel
Choose Lifefactory Glass Bottle With Sippy Cap ($28.99, 9 oz) if:
You need a glass baby bottle that converts into a sippy cup (purchase includes one bottle nipple and two sippy caps) You don’t mind the high price tag You don’t mind that it’s made of glass (chemical-free but can be heavier than regular sippy cups)
Choose Pura Kiki 9 oz Straw Stainless Steel Sippy Cup ($26.99, 9 oz) if:
You want a stainless-steel, insulated sippy cup with a two-piece silicone straw (with a removable internal straw) You need one with a silicone sleeve and silicone travel cover You don’t mind the higher price tag
Choose Skip Hop Zoo Toddler Sippy Cup ($18, 12 oz) if:
You want an insulated stainless steel bottle with a pop-up lid and a flexible silicone straw You need one with an easy-grip silicone sleeve and carrying strap
Choose NUK Insulated Cup-Like Rim Sippy Cup ($7.54, 10 oz) if:
You prefer a budget-friendly insulated, stainless steel sippy cup
Open-Top Cups
Choose DOIDY Cup ($16.80, 6.8 oz) if:
You want to try a uniquely slanted open cup to help your baby learn how to drink independently You like more options for a wide range of brightly printed colors
Choose ezpz Tiny Cup ($12.99, 2 oz) if:
You want a hypoallergenic, soft silicone open cup that can fit your toddler’s tiny hands You don’t mind that it’s tiny
Important Factors To Consider In Choosing A Sippy Cup
Non-Toxic Materials (Free From Harmful Chemicals)
Silicone – This material is preferred because it’s safe, chemical-free, and soft; however, some silicone products can be more prone to staining and retaining strong scents.
Glass – It’s safe and chemical-free, but the products are often heavier than regular cups or bottles and are prone to shattering or breaking.
Stainless steel – This material is often chemical-free, but be careful with lead in soldered sections.
Plastic – A common material for baby utensils, it’s best to check that the product is free from toxic materials such as BPA, BPS, PVC, lead, latex, and phthalates.
Easy To Use
Sippy cups don’t have to be complicated for your baby to use. Check for design flaws that might make it harder for them to draw fluids from the cup.
Leak-Proof
Mealtimes can be messy, especially if you’re following BLW (baby-led weaning) because your baby is still learning to use utensils or trying out finger foods. It’s best to reduce added spills and messes with a leak-proof cup.
Readiness & Recommended Age
Check for the manufacturer’s recommended age. Most sippy cups are rated for 6+ months old, but some manufacturers offer products only suitable for older babies (such as 12+ months old).
Easy Cleaning
Most sippy cups can be cleaned and sterilized with baby bottles in your dishwasher.
Beverages Or Liquids You Can Put
Many sippy cups are designed for water, breast milk, or formula for transitioning or training babies. Check if your sippy cup can be used for colored liquids, such as juices if you’re planning to use this for your baby.
Price
Different sippy cups are available in a wide range of prices to suit your budget. However, the cheapest isn’t always the best. It’s still important to check for product quality and safety.
Quality & Customer Reviews
Plastic products are usually the cheapest but might contain more harmful chemicals and don’t last as long as products made from other materials. Silicone is softer than plastic but is usually more expensive and might not last as long as plastic. Glass and stainless steel are often safer, chemical-free, and last longer but are often more expensive.
Company Reputation & Transparency
Some brands are better known than others. Many parents prefer these trusted brands over others because of their company reputation and transparency in the materials used for their products. Another reason why some parents stick to the same or similar brands is that their products might have compatible or interchangeable parts. For example, the Philips Avent My Natural Trainer Cup can have compatible parts with other wide-neck Philips Avent bottles, while the NUK Simply Natural Learner Cup’s handle is compatible with other NUK Simply Natural bottles.
Eco-friendly & Sustainable Materials
There are also options available if you prefer eco-friendly and sustainable products, such as the Herobility Eco Sippy Cup or the Re-Play No-Spill Sippy Cup (made from recycled milk jugs).
When Should A Child Use A Sippy Cup?
Experts such as pediatric occupational therapist Melissa Foster, OTR/L, prefer introducing babies to a sippy cup immediately when they start on solids around six months of age. (4) However, most pediatricians and the AAP agree that if you choose to have your child use a sippy cup, this transition phase should be brief. (4)
How Long Do Toddlers Need A Sippy Cup?
According to the AAP, transitioning to a cup should occur as quickly as possible, preferably before your child turns two years old. (4)
7 Ways To Help Your Little One Transition To A Sippy Cup
Here are some ways to help to teach your baby how to use a cup:
Orthodontic & Developmental Risks Of Using Sippy Cups
Why Are Sippy Cups Not Recommended?
It’s best to ask your pediatrician’s recommendations on sippy cups because some experts warn against using them. Speech-language pathologist and feeding specialist Melanie Potock of ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) recommends skipping sippy cups in favor of traditional cups. (1) She explains that the sippy cup’s hard spout could interfere with your baby’s tongue development, causing speech, swallowing patterns, and facial development problems.
Swallowing Patterns
Babies begin with the rooting reflex and the suckle-swallow pattern to help them draw breast milk while breastfeeding or formula from their bottle. As they grow older, they develop mature swallowing patterns. However, using sippy cups can delay this development and make it difficult for them to swallow new foods. (1)
Proper Facial Development
Little ones who use sippy cups and pacifiers tend to have their tongues rest forward. Their mouths tend to stay open and in this position, possibly hindering proper facial development. (1) It can also lead to mouth breathing and lowering of their jaw muscles. (1)
Can Sippy Cups Delay Speech?
Potock also explains that babies begin to develop their mature swallowing skills and grow out of the suckle-swallow pattern by around 6-12 months of age. (1) However, when kids are introduced to sippy cups and/or continue to use pacifiers at this age, these products could affect their oral development. This could lead to speech and language development delays. (1)
Sippy Cups & Tooth Decay
Using sippy cups might lead to tooth decay. This happens when a child is allowed to extend feeding time. Their teeth could be soaked in baby formula, breast milk, or even juice and other drinks in their sippy cup for a longer time, increasing their tooth decay risk. (5)
How Can I Teach My Child To Use A Regular Cup?
Once your baby improves their hand muscle strength and coordination, they can better regulate an open cup for drinking. Some ways to help your baby learn:
Hand-over-hand method (you guide your child’s hand with yours) Modeling Letting them explore (but stay close to reduce accident risks, such as getting liquids in their nose)
Can My Baby Drink Their Milk From A Sippy Cup?
Yes. A sippy cup helps your baby transition from drinking milk using their baby bottle to a regular cup.
Should My Child Revert To A Bottle?
Kids transition and develop at different rates. Some might revert to using their bottle, especially when they aren’t feeling well. That’s fine, mama. While using sippy cups (and later open cups) is preferable, you don’t have to force your baby when they aren’t ready yet.
Is An Anti-Colic Sippy Cup Necessary?
Most babies outgrow colic by 3-4 months old, so they are less likely to need anti-colic sippy cups because these are often used by older babies who are ready for solid foods (around six months old). (6)
What’s The Best Method To Clean A Sippy Cup?
You can follow this method:
Other Sippy Cups To Try
Tommee Tippee First Sips Soft Transition Cup Thinkbaby Sippy of Steel Munchkin Alphabet Sippy Cup Gerber Graduates Fun Grips Nuk Large Learner Cup NuSpin Kids Zoomi Philips Avent My Bendy Straw Cup Klean Kanteen with Sippy Cap Nuby No-Spill Super Spout Grip N’ Sip Munchkin LATCH Transition Cup First Essentials by NUK Sippy Cup NUK Active Cup CamelBak Eddy Kids’ Water Bottle
REFERENCES (1) https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/sippy-cups-3-reasons-to-skip-them-and-what-to-offer-instead/full/ (2) https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/129/6/1104/32182/Injuries-Associated-With-Bottles-Pacifiers-and?redirectedFrom=fulltext (3) https://www.childsplaytherapycenter.com/strawcup-vs-sippycup/ (4) https://www.childrenstherapyteam.com/index.php/2015/10/20/perspectives-on-sippy-cups/ (5) https://www.talkaboutherapy.com/blog/why-are-straw-cups-more-beneficial-than-sippy-cups-for-your-child/ (6) https://familydoctor.org/condition/colic/
