Are you searching for the perfect sippy cup for your little one? With countless options available online, finding the right cup can quickly become overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for the best cup for weaning your baby or figuring out how to switch from bottle to sippy cup, we’ve got you covered.
Choosing the right sippy cup can be tricky for new parents – how do you know which one is the best for your child? That’s where we come in.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly which sippy cup you need at every age and stage of your child’s development. By the end, you’ll be a sippy cup pro, and your baby will be drinking independently without any spills.
What are the various sippy cup styles?
Before we begin, let’s run through the various types of sippy cups available and their benefits:
Spout cups
Spout cups come with a harder, bite-proof spout that’s similar to a nipple but narrower. They’re great for teething babies who love to gnaw on everything!
Straw cups
Straw cups are exactly what you’re thinking. They’re an entirely new way of drinking for your little one, and since the straw has a narrower opening it might take a bit of practice. Believe us when we say it’s worth it once they get the hang of it.
We suggest introducing a straw cup, like our best-selling Click Lock Tip & Sip Cup, after they’ve mastered the spout. The weighted straw lets them sip from any angle, making it a great choice for beginners.
Spoutless cups
Spoutless cups, like the Miracle 360° Trainer Cup, are all about simplicity – no spout or straw, just a clever 360° rim that only releases liquid when your baby sucks. It’s a bit of a learning curve, but the leak-proof design is a blessing in disguise for many parents!
Best cup for weaning at 4-6 months
Congratulations! Your baby is four months old and beginning the weaning process. This exciting milestone means you can begin introducing a little bit of water with their meals, but since your baby has only been fed with a bottle or breast until now, choosing the best cup for weaning might be a bit tricky at first.
A transitional cup is perfect for this phase. They’re designed with features similar to a bottle but with helpful additions like handles and a soft spout to get your baby used to drinking from a cup.
Our Gentle Transition Trainer Cup is your baby’s first step toward drinking on their own, designed to make this change smooth and easy for both of you.
Transition from bottle to sippy cup at 6-12 months
At six months, you’ve reached the solids and sippies stage! If you’re wondering how to switch from bottle to sippy cup, these simple tips will help make everything easier:
- Choose your starting sippy cup style – spout, straw, or spoutless.
- Select a cup with handles – it’s easier for little hands to hold independently.
- Stick with it, even if your tiny tot doesn’t get it right away. At the end of the day, it’s a new skill that needs practice!
- Start using the sippy cup during daytime feeds, keeping any familiar bottles for naps and bedtime.
- Gradually replace bottle feeds with sippy cup feeds over several weeks.
Best sippy cups for 12-18 months
Now that you’re officially in toddler territory, it’s time for some new milestones – like ditching bottles and breastfeeding in favour of sippy cups for milk.
This is the perfect moment to introduce a “big kid” cup. With those fine motor skills improving, your toddler is ready for a cup without handles. Many toddlers find it easier to switch from a spouted cup to a spoutless or straw cup, but as always, the best choice really depends on what they prefer.
Sippy cups for this age are bigger and have more space for milk, juice, or water in order to keep up with your little one’s growing needs. Looking for a cup designed to keep up with your growing toddler? Check out our Miracle 360° WildLove Sippy Cup. Available in various designs, this functional and fashionable sippy cup is easy to use and features a spill-proof design – perfect for your ever-independent toddler!
Best sippy cups for 2-year-olds
At this stage, your tot is firmly in the “I can do it myself” phase. While they might want to copy everything you do, the idea of switching to a regular cup might make you feel nervous – a totally natural reaction!
While a 2-year-old can hold a cup, they might not always have the best grip – which is why a cup with handles or a spill-proof design is key. The right sippy cup at this age lets them enjoy a bit of independence while keeping spills under control – giving you one less thing to worry about.
For two-year-olds, the best sippy cups we recommend are:
- The Munchkin Flip & Go Toddler Water Bottle: Its tough, durable design is perfect for active toddlers, and it features a soft silicone straw and a flip-top lid that’s easy for little hands to use. Plus, it’s built to withstand drops and spills, making it a parent’s best friend.
- The Cool Cat Stainless Steel Straw Cup: With its spill-proof straw, easy-grip handles, and cute cat ear design, this sippy cup is the perfect blend of function and fun. It holds up to 237ml of liquid and can keep drinks cool for up to 15 hours – great for long days out!
Around age 2 is also a great time to begin practising with open cups. Give it a try with:
- The Bambou Open Cup: A stylish cup with a 360° open edge that’s ideal for little hands. It’s durable, gentle on teething gums and easy to clean – perfect for practising open-cup drinking!
- Multi Open Cup 4 Piece Set: A pack of 4 colourful cups, perfect for shifting toddlers to regular cups. With a wide base for stability, these cups are dishwasher-safe and ideal for water, milk, or juice.
Every youngster is different, and it might take a bit of trial and error to find the perfect sippy cup. Some cups might be a hit right away, while others may take a bit longer to get used to – it’s all part of the process! The key is to be patient and flexible, and you’ll soon find the cup that works best for your little one.
Explore our full range of cups and accessories to find the ideal sippy cup for your little one. Want more parenting advice? Tune into our StrollerCoaster parenting podcast or check out our blog!
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