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When your baby reaches around 9 months old, they begin getting more nutrients from solid foods than from formula or breast milk. This is a great time for parents to start transitioning their little ones from drinking on a schedule to only drinking when they feel thirsty. While this may be different from the regular bottle-feeding routine. It’s a key step in your child’s development to encourage better drinking skills and become more independent during mealtime.
However, let’s be honest – toddlers can make mealtime quite the adventure! They seem to love spilling water everywhere. So, the right cup that’s both good for your child and won’t turn mealtimes into a “water battle” can be quite a challenge for parents!
In this article, we’ll explore the best types of cups for toddlers in this stage. We’ll look at a few important quality criteria to consider when choosing a cup and finally, our top ultimate 8 best toddler cups. All the products in this list have been tested and reviewed by doctors, specialists, and parents themselves.
What types of cups are best for toddlers?
Children aged 6-12 months are recommended by doctors and experts to use cups that support muscle development and future speech abilities. If a child continues to use sippy cups or traditional bottle nipples, they are still using an infant swallowing pattern. This can affect their ability to chew and swallow solid food, and it may also negatively impact oral development.
The best solution to what types of cups are best for toddlers is to combine sippy cups with open cups or cups with straws. Most doctors and speech therapists recommend this combination. Instead of sticking to just one type of cup, children can learn different ways of drinking, whether from an open cup where the liquid flows freely or by using a straw.
In summary, using sippy cups along with open cups and straw cups will help children develop better drinking and eating skills.
Criteria for a good cups for toddlers
Besides choosing the right type of cup to support your toddler’s overall development, parents should also consider other important criteria.
Safe material: A sippy cup will be in contact with your baby’s mouth and drink all the time, so the material needs to be not only durable but also absolutely safe. The cup should be made without BPA, phthalates, or any harmful chemicals. Common materials like safe plastic, medical-grade silicone, and stainless steel are the best options. And for active toddlers, the cup needs to be tough enough to handle a few drops or throws without any damage.
However, parents should pay special attention to the mouthpiece or spout. This part should be made from strong material but soft enough because sometimes babies like to chew on it. If the material is too soft and gets bitten through easily, it could be a choking hazard. So, choose a cup that’s both safe and durable, while still being comfortable for your little one to use.
Easy to use: Toddlers need cups that are simple and easy for them to drink confidently on their own. According to expert Williams-Robinson, the right sippy cup can prevent improper swallowing habits. She recommends parents should use an open cup, with or without a straw, to support the development of a mature swallowing pattern by the time the child is 1 year old. Proper swallowing happens when the tongue presses up against the roof of the mouth to create a wave-like motion that helps move food down smoothly.
A good cup encourages the child to sip instead of suck, so it’s best to avoid cups with valves or “spill-proof” features. These can cause the child to continue sucking, which can get in the way of learning the proper way to drink.
Designs: When toddlers start learning to drink, it’s best to choose cups with a soft spout. For older kids who are more experienced, an open cup is a great choice.
It’s also very important to consider the cup’s design for easy cleaning. A cup with too many crevices or hard-to-reach spots that can’t be taken apart for cleaning can definitely make parents feel a bit overwhelmed. Just look for cups that are designed smartly and can be easily disassembled.
Appeal to children: Your adorable little ones will surely love the bright colors and fun designs, right? Their favorite cartoon characters or cute shapes can make drinking water so much more exciting!
Top Best Cups For Toddlers
We have taken the time to carefully test the cups listed below based on the criteria and requirements mentioned earlier. After chatting with some experts and parents, we are excited to introduce a list of the best cups for toddlers. We hope these will meet your expectations!
Best overall cups for toddlers: Nuby no-spill cup
Product information
- Brand: Nuby
- Price: about $4.50 per count
- Material: Insulated plastic
- Capacity: 10 ounces
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ The soft silicone spout and TOUCH-FLO valve prevent spills. ✅ Dishwasher safe, easy to clean. ✅ The soft silicone spout is gentle on gums and new teeth, perfect for toddlers. ✅ BPA-free ✅ The sturdy design can withstand drops and rough use without breaking. | ❌ The silicone spout may tear or wear if the child tends to bite it ❌ Hard to clean small parts ❌ The anti-spill design encourages sucking rather than sipping |
Nuby is one of the world’s leading brands in baby care products, and one of its standout items is the Nuby no-pill cup. The Nuby cup is widely loved by millions of parents due to its key features, like a soft spout, sturdy design, and a no-spill valve. In testing, the cup showed no signs of leaking, even when shaken, dropped, or turned upside down. So, no more worrying about your busy little one spilling drinks all over the place – what a relief!
However, the very feature that prevents leaks can also be a downside. Prolonged use of the no-spill design might encourage toddlers to suck on the spout rather than learning to drink naturally. As a result, the cup is less ideal for older kids who need to develop mature drinking habits.
Best spoutless cup for toddlers: Munchkin Miracle 360 trainer cup
Product information
- Brand: Munchkin
- Price: $6.22 / count
- Material: Plastic
- Capacity: 7 ounces
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Affordable price ✅ Easy to clean ✅ Available in various sizes and colors ✅ Leak-proof ✅ Freezer-safe ✅ Dishwasher safe ✅ Safe materials, BPA-free | ❌ The design of the cup’s opening can lead to significant spills ❌ Some children may have difficulty learning how to drink from this cup |
It seems like the Munchkin Miracle 360 trainer cup stands out as one of the most unique designs in this lineup. Unlike regular cups with straws or spouts, the Munchkin Miracle 360 trainer cup is designed with a 360-degree drinking edge, allowing toddlers to drink from any part of the rim. The smart lid design makes both pouring and drinking easy. Just a simple tilt and sip, and the cup automatically seals when your little one stops drinking. This helps prevent leaks and minimizes the risk of spills or choking. The cup is not only convenient for parents but also allows kids to confidently carry and drink from it without any issues.
That said, some toddlers may initially find it tricky to get used to this design, and if not used correctly, there can be some spills. However, with its affordable price and other great features, the Munchkin 360 still proves to be an excellent choice for toddlers who are learning to drink.
Best straw cups for toddlers: Ezpz straw mini cup
Product information
- Brand: Ezpz
- Price: $15.66 per count
- Material: Silicone
- Capacity: 4 ounces (approximately 118 ml)
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Easy to use ✅ Dishwasher and microwave safe ✅ Made of safe, food-grade silicone that is BPA, BPS, PVC, phthalate, and latex free ✅ The straw is designed smarter than regular straws, promoting better learning for toddlers ✅ Suitable for cold, warm, and hot foods and liquids. | ❌ Higher price compared to other similar products ❌ May not be suitable for older children or those who have already mastered drinking skills. |
Founded in 2014, Ezpz quickly became a favorite among parents for its high-quality, user-friendly products. According to the brand’s information, the Ezpz straw mini cup is designed for children aged 9 months and older who are transitioning to drinking from an open cup and using a straw. Developed and tested by a pediatric feeding expert, the Ezpz straw mini cup meets all criteria for safe materials, design, and color.
One standout feature is the cup’s specially improved straw. With a larger diameter than standard straws, it can easily accommodate thicker liquids such as smoothies or purees. The straw’s shorter length and slight bend make it safer and more effective for young children learning to drink. Sensory ridges along the straw help guide proper lip positioning
Best cups with handle for toddlers: Lalo little cup with handles
Product information
- Brand: Lalo
- Price: $15.50
- Material: Silicone
- Capacity: 4 ounces
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Non-toxic, BPA-free, food-grade silicone ✅ Freezer safe for storing cold drinks or purees ✅ Silicone material is both sturdy and flexible ✅ Dishwasher safe ✅ Gentle straw on toddlers’ mouths and gums | ❌ Higher price than many other toddler cups on the market ❌ Not fully leak-proof |
The Lalo little cup with handles stands out for its high-quality, safe materials and thoughtful design. Children of all ages can use this one as the flexible design allows for an easy transition between an open cup and a straw cup. You just need to remove the lid. Cleaning the Lalo little cup is easier than ever. You can also clean the straw using a special brush to prevent any buildup of dirt or mold
The cup features soft handles on both sides, perfect for little hands to grip. Made from safe silicone, it’s durable and can withstand impact well. However, you may occasionally notice some yellowing on the inside, often caused by beverages like fruit juice and pureed baby food. While the cup is fairly leak-resistant, some parents have reported concerns about its practicality, as it isn’t completely leak-proof. This means some spills may occur if the cup is shaken or tipped over. Nonetheless, with its many advantages, the Lalo Little Cup remains a worthy choice for parents.
Best soft-spout cups for toddlers: NUK small learner tritan cup
Product information
- Brand: NUK
- Price: $7.69 / count
- Material: Tritan
- Capacity: 5 ounces
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ BPA-free; dishwasher-safe; recommended for ages 6m+ ✅ easy-grip, anti-slip handles that are removable as the child grows ✅ The spill-proof, soft spout is gentle on little teeth and gums. | ❌ The spout is slow to allow liquid flow ❌ The child has to suck harder |
NUK always focuses on product quality, design, and functionality to ensure baby’s safety and comfort at every stage. The NUK small learner tritan cup is a standout product from the brand, highly recommended for children aged 6 months and older, with a capacity of 5 ounces. This size is perfect for toddlers as it provides enough liquid without being too heavy.
One smart feature of NUK is the removable pill. So that parents can take it away when their child becomes accustomed to drinking on their own. The soft spout is gentle on your baby’s sensitive gums and teeth. Additionally, the cup is spill-proof, so you can confidently pack it in a backpack without worrying about leaks or spills.
Each package includes an extra lid, and the cup is durable, resistant to stains and odors after use.
Best open-top cups for toddlers: Cuddle campus cups
Product information
- Brand: Cuddle Campus
- Price: $9.99 for 2 cups
- Material: Silicone
- Capacity: 4 ounces
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Reasonable price ✅ safe materials: 100% food-grade, non-toxic, lead-free, phthalate-free, and BPA-free ✅ Highly durable and resistant to breaking ✅ Stability weighted base ✅ Tactile bumps in straw ✅ Smart design supports the development of essential drinking skills in babies | ❌ handles may be a bit small for some babies ❌ Spills may still happen sometimes |
The Cuddle campus cups can be used in two ways: as a straw cup or an open cup. The cup versatility allows your little child to develop both important drinking skills as they can practice both sipping and drinking from a straw at once. When used with the straw, the silicone straw fits snugly through a hole in the lid.
Additionally, the cup’s weighted base provides stability, so you don’t have to worry about it easily tipping over. The design team has carefully tested and adjusted the weight to ensure it is balanced enough to prevent spills without making the cup too heavy for your child. While the cup doesn’t have valves like plastic sippy cups. As a result, you may sometimes find some minor leaks if the cup is shaken or tipped over. However, the improvements made to the body of the cup help minimize these issues.
Best insulated cups for toddlers: Tommee insulated cup
Product information
- Brand: Tommee Tippee
- Price: $6.71
- Material: Plastic
- Capacity: 9 ounces
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Durable spout but gentle on little mouths ✅ Large capacity ✅ Easy-grip design ✅ BPA, BPS, PVC, Phthalate and Nitrosamine free materials | ❌ Limited age range ❌ Slow flow rate |
The Tommee insulated cup is perfect for children aged 12 months and older. Notably, the drinking spout is made from materials that are safe for babies’ teeth and gums, yet it’s strong enough to withstand biting. Parents can rest easy knowing their little ones can use it for an extended period without the risk of tearing.
The cup features an improved anti-spill design with a two-valve system, making it more reliable than many other options. Additionally, its ability to keep drinks cold is a significant advantage on hot summer days. With a large capacity, this cup is also convenient for long trips, ensuring that kids stay hydrated while on the go.
Best stainless steel cups for toddlers: Munchkin 360 stainless steel cup
Product information
- Brand: Munchkin
- Price: $15.75
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Capacity: 10 ounces
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Large capacity ✅ Leak-proof design ✅ Dishwasher safe ✅ Design promotes natural sipping | ❌ A bit more expensive ❌ Not completely leak-proof |
If you’re looking for a well-designed, safe, and convenient open-cup option made of stainless steel, the Munchkin 360 stainless steel cup is a great choice. The high-quality insulated stainless steel cup has many impressive features. First, it keeps your child’s drinks cool for up to 15 hours. The lightweight and durable stainless steel material makes the cup resistant to bumps and drops. Additionally, it won’t leave fingerprints or make your child’s hands cold.
Like a regular cup, children can sip from any part of the rim without worrying about spills because it seals automatically when they stop drinking. The cup also comes with a lid to keep the rim clean while on the go. However, due to its larger capacity, the cup can be somewhat heavy. Parents should consider this, especially for younger children or those just starting to learn how to drink, as it might be a bit challenging for them to handle.
Bottom Line
Here is our list of the top 8 highly recommended cups suitable for toddlers at every stage. These include 360-degree open cups, straw cups, soft-spout, and hard-spout cups, with or without handles. All cups are designed to support your child’s development, reduce spills, and ease concerns for parents.
