Consider your child’s age and readiness before you transition to ensure they’re truly ready for the switch. You’ll also want to think about the different materials of sippy cups, like glass, plastic, or stainless steel. Certain materials may break more easily or be harder to clean than others. We carefully looked over material, design, value, ease of cleaning, and age recommendations when reviewing products. From silicone and stainless steel options to straw cups, we’ve rounded up the best sippy cups for your growing baby. It comes with handles that are easy for your child to hold, and with no extra valves or added sippy cup parts, it’s super easy to clean and is top-rack dishwasher safe. For this cup, be sure to inspect the silicone ring on the top of the cup. The ring can be removed and cleaned and should be done periodically to ensure you don’t get any mold. The cup holds 7 ounces of liquid and comes in two different color combination options. What’s more this cup can be used with children starting at ages 6 months and up. One note of caution: It may take some kids a little longer to learn how to use this type of cup, but kids who do make the transition may have an easier time switching to drinking to open cups. Once your kid gets the hang of these, they can graduate to the model without handles. Price at time of publish: $14 The snap-on, valve-free, spill-proof lips are easy to clean, and it comes with a bonus travel cap that makes transport a breeze. The lids are also interchangeable with most other Take & Toss products, so you won’t have to spend precious moments hunting around in your cupboards for the right tops to the right cups. Use this cup for kids 9 months and older. Price at time of publish: $9 The bite-resistant spout keeps kids from ruining the cup, and the Seal Zone Technology is designed to be 100 percent leak-proof, spill-proof, break-proof experience. There is a spot that’s perfect to personalize the cup with your child’s name (great for kids in daycare), and it’s dishwasher-safe and BPA-free. Price at time of publish: $10 Made of non-toxic, durable, food-grade silicone, the cup is easy to clean and is microwave-, dishwasher-, and freezer-safe. It can also withstand heat up to 428 degrees. Price at time of publish: $12 The ultra-lightweight cup comes with a convenient clip for carrying, and it carries 10 ounces of liquid, ensuring that your child remains well-hydrated throughout the day. This model is suited for children ages 12 months and up. Price at time of publish: $8 Price at time of publish: $16 The product combines the patented CamelBak Big Bite Valve with a stem tube and shut-off valve, which detaches as a one-piece component for simple cleaning. The stain-resistant and taste-free Tritan is 100 percent BPA-, BPS-, and BPF-free, and the size is perfect for little hands to carry on any adventure. Price at time of publish: $16
What to Look for in a Sippy Cup
Age Appropriate
It is important to note that sippy cups are not a required step in the transition from bottle to cup, and some health experts actually recommend starting with open cups. However, sippy cups can be helpful in the transitioning process, so choose what works best for your baby based on their developmental stage and motor skills. Around 6 months old, your baby can start the transition from a bottle to a sippy cup. Since open and straw cups may have a steep learning curve, starting out with a cup that has a spouted, leak-proof top and easy-grip side will help make the change easier. Once they get the hang of that, straw cups can be introduced between 6 and 9 months. As soon as your baby shows readiness, you can try out spoutless, open cups. Every child and family is different, so experiment with what works for you and aim to transition to exclusively open cups between 12 and 24 months of age.
Type
There are a wide array of sippy cup designs available on the market and, just like baby bottles, your toddler might prefer one type over another. Here are the main types of sippy cups to consider: Straw: This type of cup comes with a straw attached or included. Typically, you are able to detach the straw completely for easy cleaning. Some kids like this option as it doesn’t require them to lift or tilt the cup to drink from it. Others avoid straw sippy cups because they can require extra tools to ensure that they are clean like a straw cleaning brush. Spout: Likely one of the more common iterations of a sippy cup, this cup has a firm to flexible spout with two to three holes to allow liquids for flow through. The harder spouts can withstand chomping and biting while the softer spouts are closer to a bottle’s nipple which some kids will prefer. Spoutless: Perfect for older toddlers that are ready to transition to a standard cup but aren’t quite there yet, the spoutless cup features a technology that allows liquids to flow freely when the cup is tipped upwards but seals close when the cup is right side up to prevent spilling. It is designed to help little ones move towards regular, open top cups but in a safer way.
Readiness
When your little one is ready to hop from bottle to cup, they will show signs of readiness. Their signs of readiness can include:
Sitting up without supportShowing interest in the cupGripping the cup
Generally, a good time to try cups is when you start feeding your baby solid foods, including puree, which is usually around 6 months. If your baby is having a hard time getting a hang of using a sippy cup, don’t push the transition. You can take a step back and reintroduce a cup when they are ready.
Material
Sippy cups can be made of silicone, plastic, glass, or stainless steel. When it comes to plastic sippy cups, be sure to try to buy one that is BPA-free. BPA is a chemical found in many plastic products, that at high exposure levels, may be associated with adverse health effects. The FDA banned the use of BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups in 2012, but it is still good practice to check what materials are in the sippy cups you are looking to purchase. Silicone sippy cups offer a soft and flexible feel that little ones enjoy while glass and stainless steel are eco-friendly options that last throughout the years.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Cheryl Lock is a Denver-based writer and editor who has written for Parents, Woman’s Day, Business Insider, USA Today, Family Circle, Runner’s World, and more. You can start cup introduction with open cups, but many parents find sippy cups helpful with the transition. Closed cups with straws can be introduced as early as 6 months and used after two years of age as an on-the-go option to reduce spills. Prolonged use of sippy cups and bottles can inhibit proper oral development and lead to dental caries. Overall, the prices of sippy cups range from an average of $10 to $25.
