The Best Sippy Cup

A sippy cup, sometimes called a beaker or training cup, is a type of drinking cup specially designed for older infants and toddlers. A sippy cup has a sealable top with a spout or a straw, which reduces spills as kids learn to drink from it. Sippy cups are a good way to transition babies from drinking from a baby bottle or breast to using an open cup with no lid.

Wondering when your baby will be ready for a sippy cup? There is no set age requirement, but there are a number of developmental factors to look for. Typically, most babies start using a sippy cup somewhere between 6 and 12 months of age.

Experts suggest introducing a sippy cup to your baby around the same time you introduce solid foods. Ensure that your baby is able to sit without support and that they are able to hold up a bottle or sippy cup and tip it independently to drink. These are good signs that your baby is ready.

If your baby shows interest in what you’re drinking and reaches their hands out for your cup, this is another sign that they are ready for a sippy cup.

• Pay attention to how a child drinks out of the sippy cup. Some sippy cups have spouts while others have straws. It’s best to try a couple of different types of cups to see which one your baby will like best.
• Some cups are easier to drink out of than others. Those that have a valve require babies to suck the liquid out, while for others they need to tip the cup. Keep in mind that not all sippy cups are leakproof.
• Durability is a key factor when choosing a sippy cup, as it’s natural for babies and toddlers to drop their cups on the floor or table. Look for a cup that’s made out of strong plastic and can withstand being dropped from table height to the floor.
• The size of the cup affects its portability. Smaller cups are easier to fit in diaper bags or purses, while bigger cups are handy for inside the house or at the dinner table.
• If your baby or toddler is interested in a particular cartoon series or character, getting a sippy cup with a familiar picture on it can encourage your child to drink from it.
• If your little one is having trouble grasping a cup, opt for a sippy cup with handles. This can help them grab on, and will reduce the likelihood of them dropping their sippy cup.