These Are The Best Sippy Cups & Important Factors To Consider

What’s A Sippy Cup & Does Your Child Need One?

A sippy cup is a specially designed kid’s cup that allows your child to drink water or some other liquid from a cup without spilling. Often, this spill-proof cup has a spout or straw attached to the lid.

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 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 (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 (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 (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 (5oz 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 (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 (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 (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 (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 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 (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 (5 oz) – Trainer kit with a bottle nipple with anti-colic nipple valves and silicone sippy cup spout

Lalo Little Cup (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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (10 oz) – Budget-friendly insulated, stainless steel sippy cup

Open-Top Cups

DOIDY Cup (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 (2 oz) – Hypoallergenic, soft silicone open cup that can fit your toddler’s tiny hands

Continue reading to learn more about each sippy cup.

Nuk Evolution 360 Cup

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.

Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Cup

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

Some complaints on Amazon that this product easily leaks and harbors mold

Reflo Smart Cup

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

Some complaints on Amazon that this product breaks easily
The product has the same size as regular cups, which can be too large for tiny hands to hold

The First Years Take & Toss Sippy Cup (Disposable)

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

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.

Tommee Tippee Superstar Training Sippee Cup

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

Oxo Tot Transitions Straw Cup with Removable Handles

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

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

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

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

Re-Play No-Spill Sippy Cup

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nuby 3D Character Cup

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.

Herobility Eco Sippy Cup

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.

Lalo Little Cup

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

Summary & Recommendations

360° Or Spoutless Cups

Choose Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Cup (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 (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 (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 (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(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 (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 (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 (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 (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 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 ( 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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (10 oz) if:

You prefer a budget-friendly insulated, stainless steel sippy cup

Open-Top Cups

Choose DOIDY Cup (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 (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:

Take out the no-spill valve
Demonstrate how it works
Offer with every meal
Replace a feeding with a sippy cup
Try different types
Try different liquids
Paise your little one

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)

FAQs

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:

Soak your baby’s sippy cup for around 15 minutes in warm, soapy water to help loosen up food residues, dirt, and grime.
You can use bottle brushes to reach hard-to-clean areas inside the bottle.
Narrower brushes are designed for the sippy spout and straw.
Rinse thoroughly.
Put in the sterilizer (if sterilizer-safe).
Allow to dry in a clean place (don’t wipe).

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/