Making the move from bottle to sippy cup can be tricky. Your tot wants to do everything for himself, but giving him a cup is a daunting proposition — even if it’s a sippy cup. You want a cup that fits well in little hands, won’t spill and won’t be a pain to clean. Yes, you want the best sippy cup on the market!
When Should You Make the Transition From Bottle to Sippy Cup?
You can start at a surprisingly early age, but babies might take a few months to get the hang of using a sippy cup. “The occasional child can be ready as early as 6 months, but not that often are they successful at that age,” says Dr. Michael Howard, the author of an upcoming parenting book and a frequent spokesperson for the University of Louisville School of Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics.
“Go slowly as you introduce the sippy cup, and watch the flow of liquid to avoid choking.” Dr. Tanya Altman, an author, parenting expert and Southern California pediatrician, agrees. “Parents can try introducing a sippy cup at around 6 months of age, but many infants won’t get the hang of it until closer to 9 to 12 months,” she says, adding, “Start with water or breast milk. It may sound strange to put breast milk in a sippy cup, but if you can get your infant used to drinking milk from a sippy cup early it will make it easier to say bye-bye bottle later on.” With that in mind, here are some suggestions.
Best Sippy Cup for Small Hands
- Munchkin LATCH Transition Cup
The LATCH is perfect for the transition from bottle, even if your child is just 6 months old. Two handles make it easy for small hands to hold, and the silicone spout is gentle on gums.
- OXO Tot Sippy Cup
With the low price of the Tot Sippy Cup, you may want to buy a few of these cups! The easy-to-grip handles are great for little ones just learning to coordinate their movements. A dimple in the lid assures cute little noses won’t get in the way, and the cup’s clear walls allow you to see how much is left.
- The NUK Learner Cup
The Learner has a soft spout that feels like a bottle nipple but works like a regular sippy. It doesn’t take much sucking for the milk or water to start flowing, so it’s a great trainer for beginners.
- Munchkin Click Lock Trainer Cup
Some babies just do better with straws. Try the Click Lock. Its weighted straw means a child can hold the cup at any angle.
Best Sippy Cup for Easy Cleanup
- The First Years Take & Toss
If you’re concerned about cleanliness, the Take & Toss is a disposable option. These cups come in a rainbow of colors, six to a pack, along with spill-proof lids. They’re great for travel.
- Nuby Super Spout Easy Grip
Sometimes no handles are the best kind of “handles” for small hands. The Super Spout Easy Grip has a grooved exterior that makes gripping easier. They are easy to take apart for cleaning and are dishwasher-safe, too.
- Thinkbaby No Spill Sippy Cup
The Thinkbaby model is great for beginners and busy parents on the go. The spout is similar to a bottle nipple. A unique cross-hatch opening makes liquid flow easily when baby sucks but also protects from spills.
- Playtex Lil’ Gripper/Anytime Spout Cup
The patented “click” of the Lil’ Gripper gives parents peace of mind that the lid is securely on and won’t come off. While there are no handles, small hands can easily grip this cup. This is also one of the sturdiest sippy cups on the market, and it has a 100-percent break-proof guarantee.
- Sharebear
The Sharebear has just two pieces, which means cleanup is a breeze.
Best Spill-Proof Cup
- Munchkin Miracle 360
The Munchkin Miracle 360 allows toddlers to drink from any direction, and it’s completely spill-proof.
- Philips Avent My Penguin
For toddlers with a full set of teeth, My Penguin is bite-proof.
- Munchkin Flexi Transition Cup
The Flexi has an added layer of spill control with a flexible spout. The handles are removable.
- NUK Active Silicone Spout Learning Cup
The NUK Active has a lightweight feel. It also has a convenient clip that can be latched onto stroller or diaper bag.
- Abstract Baby/Toddler Sippy Drinking Cup
The Abstract Baby/Toddler Sippy has a lid that’s attached so you’ll never lose it on the go.
A Plastic Alternative
- Pura XL Sipper Spout
If you’re looking for an alternative to plastic, the Pura XL has an insulated base made from stainless steel. If it’s a cold day, fill it with warm milk that stays warm.
And check out these baby spoons and dishware.
Christina Montoya Fiedler is a Los Angeles-based parenting writer.
