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15 Best Sippy Cups That Don't Leak of 2024

Updated
Transitional, straw, spout and more! Find the right sippy cup for your baby.

Are you overwhelmed with trying to find the best sippy cup for your child? With so many styles available, each looking totally different than the last, it’s enough to drive you crazy.

We’ve spent many hours researching the top-rated sippy cups of all styles and brands. As a result, we’ve created this handy guide with info and reviews to help you find the best sippy cup to suit your child.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer
Best for Toddlers
Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer
  • Looks like a standard cup
  • Long-lasting
  • Spoutless design
Product Image of the MAM Trainer
Best for Breastfed Baby
MAM Trainer
  • Includes a nipple & spout
  • Protects from spills
  • Non-slip handle
Product Image of the NUK Learner Cup
Best for Gassy Babies
NUK Learner Cup
  • Built-in air vent
  • Gentle on gums
  • Easy-grip removable handles
Product Image of the MAM Starter Cup
Best Spill-Free Cup
MAM Starter Cup
  • Lid keeps spout clean
  • Ergonomic design
  • Durable BPA & BPS free plastic
Product Image of the Re-Play Sippy Cups
Best for Milk
Re-Play Sippy Cups
  • Won’t leak
  • Durable cups
  • Fits in car cupholder
Product Image of the Philips Avent My Natural
Best Training Cup
Philips Avent My Natural
  • Affordable
  • Rubberized handles
  • Soft spout
Product Image of the Pura Kiki
Best Stainless Steel
Pura Kiki
  • Includes sipper spout
  • Long-lasting bottle
  • Interchangeable lids
Product Image of the NuSpin Kids Zoomi
Best with Straw
NuSpin Kids Zoomi
  • Gender-neutral cup
  • Free from harmful chemicals
  • Gentle on baby’s mouth
Product Image of the Klean Kanteen
Best Toddler Cup
Klean Kanteen
  • Different colors to choose from
  • Holds 12 ounces
  • Food-grade stainless steel
Product Image of the Green Sprouts
Best Glass Cup
Green Sprouts
  • Includes a spout and straw
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Shock-absorbing base

Review Methodology: At Mom Loves Best, we understand the importance of finding the perfect sippy cup for your little one. Our thorough analysis and hands-on experience allow us to evaluate products from a user’s perspective, ensuring that we demonstrate our expertise in selecting the best sippy cups. We measure and rank sippy cups based on criteria such as leak-proof design, ease of use, materials, and durability. By comparing qualitative data and first-hand evidence, we identify key decision-making factors and rate the products in those areas. We also assess each cup’s design choices and their effect on users, ensuring that we provide a comprehensive review to help you make an informed decision. Trust in our research, performance assessment, and professional evaluation to guide you in choosing the best sippy cup for your child.



The Best Sippy Cups of 2024

Here are 15 great sippy cups to consider.

Munchkin Miracle 360 Sippy Cup

Best Sippy Cup for Toddlers

It’s hard to get excited about a cup design, but we love the Munchkin Miracle 360 Sippy Cup. Instead of a traditional spout, this cup has a 360-degree drinking edge. Your toddler won’t have to worry about latching onto a mouthpiece to get a sip; they can just pick it up and put it to their mouth without looking.

When your toddler is done taking a drink, the cup automatically seals again.

There aren’t any hard-to-reach valves or pieces, so this cup is easy to clean, either manually or by putting it in the dishwasher. But you need to make sure you fully take apart the four pieces of the cup at each cleaning, or you’ll get a black, yucky-looking ring on the lid.

The Munchkin Miracle 360 Sippy Cup is best for toddlers who are a minimum of 12 months old. The two-pack comes in several bright color combinations.

Pros

  • They won’t spill if tipped over.
  • Can be used long after the toddler years are over.
  • Spoutless design prevents mouth injuries.

Cons

  • More expensive than some others.
  • You can’t tell how much liquid is still in the cup without taking the lid off.

Our Ratings

Leak-proof Design
4.5 / 5
Material
4 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
4 / 5
Age Appropriateness
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

User Experience

I'm impressed with these cups as they have solved the leaking issue I faced with other sippy cups. My 2 1/2 year old easily transitioned to using this cup, even though he was initially skeptical. The design, without a straw or spout, is a big plus, and it's easy to clean. While my husband managed to make it leak with a strong shake, my toddler and I couldn't, so I consider it leak-proof.

MAM Trainer Cup with Handles

Best Sippy Cup for a Breastfed Baby

This sippy cup comes with a cap to protect from spills whether you’re at home or in the car. The cap also works as a handy measuring cup.

The non-slip handles help your baby hold on better, and a wide opening and base allow you to fill it easily without spilling.

The best part is that the nipple is soft and spill proof, which means your breastfed baby can take their first step toward using a cup without you having to worry about any mess they make. You also get a spill-proof spout for when your baby is ready to take the next step after training with the nipple.

The base of the cup has measurements clearly marked so you can keep an eye on your child’s intake.

Pros

  • You get both a nipple and spout.
  • The cap makes this perfect for taking in the car or the diaper bag.
  • The handles will help babies hold on.

Cons

  • If your baby is a chewer, the spout can be destroyed quickly.
  • It takes a lot of suction to get the liquid out.

Our Ratings

Leak-proof Design
4 / 5
Material
4 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
4 / 5
Age Appropriateness
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Perspective

These cups have been a lifesaver for my picky toddler who refused to drink from any other sippy cups. The soft texture and flat nipple design provide a comfortable transition from bottle to cup, and the slow flow prevents choking during those sleepy moments. The handles make it easy for my little one to hold on to, and the lid is a nice touch. The quality is excellent, and the cups are compatible with other MAM products we've used in the past.

NUK Learner Sippy Cup

Best Sippy Cup for Gassy Baby

Many bottles are designed to help prevent gas and colic in babies. If too much air gets into your baby’s stomach, it can cause discomfort. However, many sippy cups do not take this into account during the transition process as your baby learns to drink normally.

NUK’s Learner Sippy Cup not only helps your child get excited about drinking from a cup on their own, but it prevents excess air as they move from a sucking action to a drinking action. It works because of a special air vent in the spout. It helps ensure your child swallows liquid, not air.

The spout is also made of 100 percent silicone and is shaped similar to a bottle’s nipple to help with the transition process. Because of the silicone, it is super soft and gentle on your child’s gums, teeth, and palate.

If your child is prone to gas and is at the beginning stages of transition from bottle to cup, this sippy cup is one to consider.

Pros

  • Built-in air vent prevents children from swallowing air when drinking.
  • Bottle-shaped silicone nipple is gentle on gums.
  • Easy-grip removable handles.
  • Easy to use.

Cons

  • Like with bottles, toddlers get attached and may find it hard to transition to a regular cup.

Our Ratings

Leak-proof Design
4 / 5
Material
4.5 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
4 / 5
Age Appropriateness
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Community Feedback

My experience with this Learner Sippy Cup has been fantastic for my baby's transition from bottle to cup. The built-in air vent in the spout helps prevent my child from swallowing air, reducing gas and discomfort. I appreciate the 100% silicone, bottle-shaped nipple that is soft and gentle on my baby's gums, teeth, and palate. The easy-grip removable handles make it simple for my little one to hold and drink independently. However, I do understand that some toddlers may get attached to this sippy cup, making it difficult to transition to a regular cup later on.

MAM Starter Cup with Handles

Best Spill-Free Sippy Cup

This anti-spill starter cup from MAM holds five ounces of your child’s favorite beverage and features an extra-soft spout. It also has an ergonomic design, with a curved bottle and non-slip handles, so your child can hold and carry it with confidence.

Best of all, the soft spout is completely spill-free. Not only does this make your life easier, but it helps your little one transition from sucking to drinking. A dust cap is also provided to prevent spills during transport and protect from dirt and germs.

The entire sippy cup is made of durable plastic, which is BPA and BPS free. We love it for on-the-go moms who don’t have time to worry about cleaning up spills.

Pros

  • Anti-spill spout and lid prevent stressful messes.
  • Ergonomic design helps your child learn to drink from a cup with confidence

Cons

  • Soft nipple is easy for biters to damage.

Our Ratings

Leak-proof Design
5 / 5
Material
4 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
4 / 5
Age Appropriateness
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

First-Hand Impression

In my experience, this sippy cup has proven to be durable and "toddler-proof," even after being thrown, dropped, and stepped on. The design, featuring handles and a small size, makes it easy for little hands to grasp and carry. Although there might be a few drops of liquid escaping from the nipple area, it's nothing out of the ordinary for a sippy cup.

Re-Play Sippy Cups

Best Sippy Cup for Milk

Your child will be able to get milk out of these Re-Play cups at a fairly fast rate — even faster without the silicone valve.

They hold 10 ounces of liquid and can be used for milk, juice, or water. Since they have a hard spout, they’re best for babies that are nine months and older.

They use a one-piece spill-proof valve, which means they’re easy to clean, and you won’t find yourself crying over spilled milk. As long as you put the valve in properly, these cups won’t leak. As your toddler gets older and spills less, you can remove the valve.

You’ll get a three-pack of cups in different colors. They are free of BPA, Phthalate, PVC, and Melamine and are made from recycled milk jugs. They are top-rack dishwasher safe. It’s easy to take them apart and put them back together again — you’ll even be able to do it while you have a thirsty, demanding kid on your hands.

Pros

  • Leak-free design.
  • Durable cups hold up well to the abuse children can deliver.
  • Narrow design is cupholder friendly.

Cons

  • They don’t come with lids.

Our Ratings

Leak-proof Design
4 / 5
Material
4 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
4.5 / 5
Age Appropriateness
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

User Experience

Best sippy cups for fast drinking toddlers! These Re-Play cups are perfect for little ones nine months and older, as they hold 10 ounces of liquid and have an easy-to-clean, one-piece spill-proof valve. With a durable, narrow design that fits in cupholders and made from BPA-free recycled materials, these top-rack dishwasher safe cups come in a colorful three-pack and can even be used without the valve as your child grows.

Philips Avent My Natural Trainer Cup

Best Transition Sippy Cup

This sippy cup by Philips Avent is made for babies from four months up. It has a soft silicone spout, so it won’t feel much different from the bottle for them.

Made of BPA-free plastic, these cups can be put in the dishwasher for cleaning. Their best feature is that they are compatible with other Philips Avent bottle and cup pieces. That gives them greater versatility because if you have a piece from your bottle that your baby loves, you can make it work with these cups.

This sippy cup comes with a cap, making it easy to keep clean. Finally, it has trainer handles, allowing babies to get a good grip until they fine-tune their motor skills.

Pros

  • Cheaper than other similar options.
  • Rubberized handles are comfortable for babies.
  • Compatible with other Philip Avent cups and bottles.

Cons

  • Wider design won’t fit in cupholders.
  • Top is easy to unscrew, so a busy baby can get it off and make a mess.

Our Ratings

Leak-proof Design
4 / 5
Material
4 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
4 / 5
Age Appropriateness
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

My experience with these Avent Trainer Cups has been largely positive, as they are easy for my baby to handle and clean. I especially appreciate the compatibility with other Avent products, such as the Natural rings and nipples, making everything interchangeable and simplifying the process. The two different nipple options included in the set were great for transitioning from bottle to sippy cup and even accommodating my baby's acid reflux by allowing for the addition of rice cereal. Although there may be minor leaks when the cup is thrown or banged, this is a common issue with most sippy cups and not a major concern. I do wish there were a larger size option available, but overall, I highly recommend these Trainer Cups for their ease of use, versatility, and adaptability as your child grows.

Pura Kiki Stainless Steel Insulated Sippy Cup

Best Stainless Steel Sippy Cup

This cup doesn’t use any plastic, and it can grow with your child. Your child will be able to use the same bottle year after year simply by switching out the lids as they graduate from each stage of drinking.

The bottle comes with a sipper spout, but you can purchase other lids separately, such as a straw and a cap. It holds nine ounces of liquid, so it’ll always be useful, no matter your child’s age.

The cup base is made from food-grade stainless steel and the spout from medical-grade silicone. So you don’t have to worry about BPA, BPS, EA, PVC, or any other chemicals making their way into your baby’s drink.

A variety of bright silicone sleeves make this cup stand out and allow for a better grip.

Pros

  • Entirely plastic free.
  • Made to last years with combination of bottle and sippy tops.
  • Bright silicone sleeve reduces the chances of it dropping.

Cons

  • These cups are expensive.
  • Can damage a furniture when thrown by a child having temper tantrums as it is on a heavier side.

Our Ratings

Leak-proof Design
4 / 5
Material
5 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
4 / 5
Age Appropriateness
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Community Feedback

My experience with the Pura Kiki sippy cup has been mostly positive, especially for my 23-month-old daughter who has never taken a bottle before. The insulated design keeps her milk cold for hours, and the colorful sleeve offers an appealing look, great grip, and doesn't sweat. However, one downside is the lid tends to leak when not using the silicone cap, which can be a bit troublesome. The cup's durability and the ability to change lids as your child grows are fantastic features, making it well worth the investment despite the minor leaking issue.

NuSpin Kids Zoomi Straw Sippy Cup

Best Straw Sippy Cup

This sippy cup has a valve-free straw and is made without BPA, phthalates, PVC, nitrosamines, latex, and lead. It consists of only three pieces — the base, a lid, and straw — and all are safe to put in the top rack of the dishwasher.

This is best for kids who are at least one year old, and you can use it with milk, juice, or water.

The soft silicone straw cannot be pulled from the cup as long as the lid is on.

Pros

  • Nice-looking neutral-colored cup.
  • Uses a durable silicone straw.
  • Soft straw won’t hurt the inside of a baby’s mouth.

Cons

  • For a single cup, the cost is a bit high.
  • They don’t come with lids, so they aren’t great for travel.

Our Ratings

Leak-proof Design
4 / 5
Material
4.5 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
4.5 / 5
Age Appropriateness
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

First-Hand Impression

These valveless straw cups quickly became my favorite for my baby, as they are easy to clean, don't leak, and my little one enjoys drinking from them. The lack of a valve surprisingly results in less leakage compared to cups with valves, even when my child tosses the cup on the ground. While they're not completely spill-proof, they're effective enough for my child's use. The only improvement I'd suggest is adding fluid measurement lines to help track how much my child drinks, but overall, I'm very satisfied with these cups.

Klean Kanteen Sippy Cup

Best Toddler Cup

This cup isn’t tainted by the harmful chemicals and compounds you’re trying to avoid. It’s made of food-grade stainless steel that doesn’t contain BPA or any other plastic byproducts you’re worried about.

It will never give your child’s drink that awful plastic taste, and the stainless steel won’t smell like the last drink you had in the cup.

The valve is removable for easy cleaning in the dishwasher or by hand. The opening is large enough that you can add ice cubes to your child’s drink if you want to, but still thin enough to fit in most car cup holders.

While it isn’t as lightweight as some of the flimsy plastic cups you can buy, it isn’t too heavy for your child to lift comfortably either.

Pros

  • It comes in several different colors.
  • Holds twelve ounces of liquid.
  • Durable design holds up to rough usage.

Cons

  • Hand washing is recommended for colored cups.
  • More expensive than plastic cups.

Our Ratings

Leak-proof Design
4.5 / 5
Material
5 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
4 / 5
Age Appropriateness
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

User Experience

This lead-free cup seemed like the perfect choice for my son's safety, but cleaning it has been a nightmare. The spout has a tendency to harbor mold in hard-to-reach crevices, which is quite concerning. Additionally, the lid is a small, unattached piece of plastic that doesn't effectively keep the liquid contained. The poor design of the lid makes it easy to lose and is a major drawback. Despite its safety features, the difficulty in cleaning and the poorly designed lid led me to give this cup a three-star rating.

Green Sprouts Glass Sip and Straw Cup

Best Glass Sippy Cup

The four-once sippy cup is made of glass but includes a soft plastic outer base to absorb shocks and prevent breakage if dropped. The soft silicone nipple has a free-flow design, making it a great transition cup for breastfed babies.

With the option of a straw or sippy spout, your baby can drink in the way most natural to them.

Although parts of the exterior are made of polypropylene and synthetic rubber, the liquid only touches glass and silicone.

This cup is free of BPA and PVC and is easy to clean, dishwasher safe, and suitable for babies as young as four months. The removable handles are a bonus in case your baby does better without them.

Pros

  • It comes with both a spout and a straw.
  • It can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
  • Babies can use it from a young age.

Cons

  • More expensive than many other sippy cups.
  • Glass may fracture or break with rough handling.

Our Ratings

Leak-proof Design
4 / 5
Material
5 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
4.5 / 5
Age Appropriateness
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Personal Perspective

I've been using this glass cup for my child and overall, it's been a positive experience. The straw and handles make it easy for my child to drink, and it's quite durable, even when dropped. However, there are quite a few parts to clean which can be a bit tedious, and the handles can twist around, making it harder for my child to use at times. Despite these minor drawbacks, I appreciate that it's made of glass and silicone, providing a healthier alternative to plastic cups. The leak-proof design is also a great added feature that makes this cup worth considering.

NUK Silicone Spout Active Cup

Best Silicone Sippy Cup

If you love the soft feel of a silicone spout, this cup is a great choice.

It’s great for kids who are trying to wean off the bottle because of the soft spout and bottle-like shape of the cup. The spout is gentle on teeth and gums as babies learn to handle the next milestone.

Kids will love the cheerful design, and moms will like that it’s leakproof.

It’s light enough that even young babies will have no trouble picking it up. Plus, it holds ten ounces of liquid, making it big enough for kids to continue using as they become capable of drinking more liquids.

Pros

  • It’s an affordable cup.
  • Includes a clip so you can attach it to a diaper bag or purse.

Cons

  • If you have a fierce biter on your hands, they may destroy the spout.
  • Your child will have to suck hard to get liquid from this.

Our Ratings

Leak-proof Design
4 / 5
Material
4.5 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
4 / 5
Age Appropriateness
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Community Feedback

When I first tried this cup for my little one, I instantly appreciated the soft silicone spout, which made transitioning from a bottle much smoother. The cup's gentle spout and cheerful design were definitely highlights, not to mention the leakproof feature and its lightweight nature. Additionally, I found the clip for attaching the cup to a diaper bag or purse quite useful. However, be cautious if your child tends to bite hard, as they may damage the spout, and they might need to suck a bit harder to get the liquid out.

Gerber Advance Developmental Insulated Cup

Best Orthodontic Sippy Cup

This cup is easy on a baby’s developing teeth because it has a flat rim, much like an adult cup would. If you have a little one who likes to bite everything, you’ll appreciate the bite-resistant rim.

The design still allows it to be completely leakproof. Plus, it’s so durable that your child won’t be able to break it, even when dropping it from a high chair.

These dishwasher-safe cups come in a package of two. They’re BPA free, which brings peace of mind to moms who are worried about chemicals entering their baby’s drink.

The insulated design keeps drinks cool for up to six hours.

Pros

  • The flat rim will help your child transition to regular cups.
  • Keeps drinks cold for hours.
  • Babies love the eye-catching designs.

Cons

  • Lids crack easily.
  • Moisture might get trapped between the insulating layers.

Our Ratings

Leak-proof Design
4.5 / 5
Material
4 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
3.5 / 5
Age Appropriateness
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

First-Hand Impression

These sippy cups have become my go-to choice for my little ones, as they are easy to clean and don't leak when tipped over. My daughter quickly learned how to use them, and I appreciate the double insulated walls that prevent sweating and keep drinks cold. However, I was disappointed when the images on the outside started to wear off after a few washes, and one lid cracked on the inside. I also noticed that the colors and designs received can be different from what's pictured, which could be an issue for those looking for specific colors. Despite these drawbacks, these cups have proven to be reliable and functional, ultimately making them a good value.

The First Years Spill-proof Sippy Cup

Best Budget Sippy Cup

This four-pack of brightly colored cups from The First Years is durable enough to get a few months of use but cheap enough to be used as a disposable cup.

This is the perfect solution if you’re constantly losing sippy cups since it’s so affordable to replace them. The snap-on lids are interchangeable, each coming with an attached cap that prevents leaks and keeps the mouthpiece clean.

The transparent design allows you to see how much liquid is left, and when they’re dirty, they can go straight into the dishwasher. These cheerful cups don’t contain PVC, BPA, or phthalates.

Pros

  • Only two pieces to clean.
  • Can be used as regular cups by removing the lids.
  • Stackable design saves storage space.

Cons

  • The lids come off easily and may cause leaks.
  • The plastic is not durable and will mark and fade with time.

Our Ratings

Leak-proof Design
3.5 / 5
Material
3 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
4 / 5
Age Appropriateness
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

User Experience

Best sippy cups I've tried so far, these cups are not only easy to clean with just two pieces, but they're also incredibly leak-proof. I was initially drawn to them due to their low cost and simplicity, but I've been pleasantly surprised by their durability and convenience. Although they may drip slowly when turned upside down, I've found them to be more leak-resistant than many other more expensive options on the market. These cups have also encouraged proper drinking habits for my child, while being stackable and space-saving in our cupboards.

Munchkin Click Lock Sippy Cup

Best Insulated Sippy Cup

This package of two cups can be used by children who are nine months and older. These cups have a click-lock leakproof design and a one-piece valve that won’t spill if the cup gets tipped over. You’ll hear a click when you correctly screw the lid on the base, so it takes the guesswork out of whether you have everything lined up correctly.

Because the cups are insulated, they keep drinks cool longer than non-insulated cups will. They’re top-rack dishwasher safe and fit into most cup holders, which is nice if your child likes to have water to drink in the car.

Finally, the hard, bite-proof spout is nice for those kids who love to chew.

Pros

  • They’re super affordable.
  • Top-rack dishwasher safe.
  • Durable bite-proof spout.

Cons

  • Hard to find replacement spouts.
  • Tougher silicone spout requires pressure to drink from.

Our Ratings

Leak-proof Design
4.5 / 5
Material
4 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
4 / 5
Age Appropriateness
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

I recently purchased these sippy cups for my 1.5-year-old and have been quite impressed with their performance. The cups are easy for my little one to hold and use, and they've been helpful in transitioning from baby bottles. While they are mostly leak-proof, a few drops may escape if held upside down for an extended period. The hourglass shape and soft spout make these cups a great choice for young children, but be prepared for occasional leaks and potential replacement after a few months of use.

Gerber Hard Spout Sippy Cup

Best Hard Spout Sippy Cup

This two-pack has cups with a hard spout for parents who like the look of traditional sippy cups. The spouts are bite resistant, which may be comforting for parents whose children bite everything when they are teething.

They’re made in the U.S., are BPA-free, and are guaranteed to be leakproof. This cup holds ten ounces of liquid and is ideal for kids who are at least 12 months old.

These are simple to clean — all you have to do is pop out the valve and put it back in the lid after you’ve cleaned it.

The heavy-duty design doesn’t rub off even after repeated use and washings.

Pros

  • Lids are easy to screw on.
  • They’re affordable.
  • Durable cups won’t break even when forcibly dropped.

Cons

  • Require strong suction to work.
  • Valve gets moldy if not thoroughly cleaned after every use.

Our Ratings

Leak-proof Design
4 / 5
Material
4 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
4 / 5
Age Appropriateness
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Community Feedback

In my experience, this two-pack of traditional-looking sippy cups has been a great addition to our household. With their hard, bite-resistant spouts, I've found them to be perfect for my teething toddler who tends to chew on everything. These BPA-free cups hold ten ounces of liquid, making them ideal for kids 12 months and older. One feature I particularly appreciate is the simple cleaning process – just pop out the valve, clean it, and easily put it back in the lid. The heavy-duty design remains intact even after repeated use and washings, and as an added bonus, they're quite affordable. However, I did notice that strong suction is required to drink from these cups, and the valve can get moldy if not cleaned thoroughly after each use.

When Should a Baby use a Sippy Cup?

Sippy cups are used to transition your baby from the breast or bottle to a real cup. Toddlers don’t quite have the balance and stability to carry around a regular cup. That’s where sippy cups come in handy. They cut down on spills — and your frustration levels.

Ideally, your child won’t be using bottles past their first birthday for a few reasons. It helps protect their developing teeth (1). And if you wait too long, your child will get too attached to their bottles, and you’ll have to struggle to wean them off of them.

But if your baby can’t do it by the time they turn one, you should aim to have them completely weaned from their bottles by 18 months of age.

To get your baby used to the sippy cup, you should begin to introduce it months before. Some babies are ready to be introduced to sippy cups as early as six months old. If your child isn’t ready then, you should aim to try by nine months at the latest to allow them time to become comfortable with it by their first birthday.

Types of Sippy Cups

All sippy cups have a similar structure, but designs tend to look different. These are the pieces that make up most sippy cups.

  • Spout: This is the place where a child suckles to get liquid from the cup. It functions like the nipple of a bottle and is usually part of the lid.
  • Lid: This is the top of the sippy cup.
  • Valve: Sippy cups have a valve to prevent leakage when the child is not sucking. This is usually a removable plastic piece inside the lid, though some are built directly into the spout.
  • Cup: This is the main part of the sippy cup — the reservoir where the liquid is held.
  • Handles: Some brands have handles, and others don’t. Whether or not you use a cup with handles is a personal preference. Some handles are removable, while others are built into the cup or lid.

Silicone Spout Cups

These are wide, sippy-shaped spouts made out of the same material as a bottle nipple. They are flexible and feel familiar to the bottle-fed baby.

Pros

  • Good for bottle-fed babies.
  • Babies are reluctant to give up the bottle like the similar feel of the soft spout.

Cons

  • Not great for older toddlers.
  • Babies with teeth tend to chew on the spout.

Soft Spout Cups

These are sippy cups with a soft plastic spout. The spout is not fully flexible and pliable but has some give to it.

Pros

  • Great for first-time sippy users.
  • Good for younger babies.
  • Gentler on baby teeth.

Cons

  • Not great for toddlers and preschoolers.
  • Babies like to chew the spout.

Hard Spout Cups

These look similar to soft spout sippy cups, but the spout is made of harder plastic.

Pros

  • Suitable for toddlers and preschoolers.
  • Harder for little teeth to destroy.

Cons

  • Not for younger babies.
  • Not an introductory sippy cup.

Spoutless Cups

Kids can drink from these no-spill sippy cups by sucking on any point around the rim. They help develop the skills and muscle control to drink out of a regular cup. They can be used at any age.

Pros

  • Makes transitioning from bottle to cup easier.
    No risk of teeth malformation.

Cons

  • Not easy for a young baby to use.

Straw Cups

Instead of a spout, these cups come with a silicone straw. Their valve makes them spill-proof, separating them from non-sippy-style straw cups.

Pros

  • For babies or toddlers who like to suckle (particularly breastfed babies).
  • For babies or toddlers who have refused regular sippy cups.

Cons

  • Some kids struggle with remembering not to tip the cup upward.
  • Not typically an introductory cup.

How to Choose Sippy Cups

Picking out a sippy cup can be difficult, but it’s easier if you know what you’re looking for. I found that out the hard way when I grabbed a pack in the store one day without putting any thought into it at all. I just went for the cheapest ones.

That bargain wasn’t such a bargain after all. My daughter had destroyed the cheap spouts by the end of the first week by biting on them furiously. I had to replace the whole pack, but obviously, I didn’t get the same kind again.

I put more thought into it and asked a friend what kind her child had been using. She led me to one she loved and, although it was pricier than what I’d bought, they were well worth the money because they held up until my baby was ready to transition from bottle to cup.

Keep these features in mind when looking for a cup your baby will love:

Hard or Soft Spouts

If you think your baby is going to refuse the sippy cup, go with a soft mouthpiece. If your child has shown interest in normal cups already, you should be able to start with a harder spout. It may help to purchase both types and begin with a soft spout, then transition to a harder spout after a couple of months, when your baby is accustomed to the sippy cup.

Tongue Position

To avoid potential problems with your child’s speech development, make sure their tongue rests inside their mouth when they’re drinking.

Material

Sippy cups are made with a wide range of materials, including plastic, silicone, latex, stainless steel, glass, and aluminum. If you’re still shaken over the BPA controversy and think plastic may be harboring other harmful chemicals, go with a safer material, like glass.

Handles or Not

For many babies, cups with handles are more comfortable to pick up. However, handles may keep your sippy cup from fitting in cup holders.

Leakproof

Most beginner sippy cups are leakproof, but some are not. If your child has a strong suckle, a leakproof cup shouldn’t be a problem for them. However, babies or toddlers who struggle with suckling may find it challenging to get liquid out of this style of cup.

Some cups are made without valves, with small holes or an opening in the spout instead. These are great for babies with a weaker suck, but they will spill if tipped. Sippy cups that aren’t leakproof may be good for transitioning from the sippy cup to a regular cup as they will help your child learn not to tip their cup while still preventing the major spills of a regular cup.


Sippy Cup FAQs

Are There Any Dangers to Using Sippy Cups?

With proper supervision, sippy cups are a great tool. They help prepare your little one to handle a normal cup.

But if you aren’t careful, they can cause some problems too, just as bottles can.

Warning

The biggest danger comes from toddlers who are allowed to carry their sippy cups with them. Kids of this age are still unsteady on their feet. They’re still learning how to get around, and their balance can often be thrown off.

Sippy cups can injure kids who try to drink from their cups as they walk. If they fall while walking and drinking, the spout can cut their face or the inside of their mouth.

Here are some additional sippy cup safety tips:

  • Don’t let your baby walk around with a sippy cup or fall asleep with one in their mouth.
  • Replace any cracked or broken parts to avoid your baby hurting themselves. Cracks can also harbor mold or bacteria and are more difficult to keep clean.
  • Letting your baby drink juice or milk for extended periods can damage their teeth.
  • Don’t let your child use a sippy cup beyond two years of age. Sippy cups are transitional and are only meant to be used until your baby can use a proper cup.
  • Don’t assume your baby is weaned because they use a sippy cup. Sippy cups are more like bottles than they are like cups, so you’ll still need to encourage your child to let them go eventually (2).

How Many Should I Buy?

You’ll want to have several sippy cups on hand. It can help to have several at home and a couple more in the diaper bag at all times. We recommend having a minimum of six cups.

If you only have three or four, you’ll constantly be washing up. That’s fine if you don’t mind keeping them clean and making sure you don’t lose them, but having extra cups takes the pressure off.

How Can I Help My Child Make the Switch?

By paying attention to the finer details, you’ll be able to help smooth the transition from bottle to sippy cup.

Here’s how you do it.

  • Go with a sippy cup that has a soft mouthpiece as your baby is already used to the feel of softer bottle nipples or breasts.
  • Help your baby by showing them how to use the cup.
  • Although you don’t want any more spills to clean up, you also don’t want a spout that’s super hard to get liquid out of. If your baby is struggling to form a tight enough suction, they may just give up. It’s better to go with one that requires a little effort.
  • Start with water instead of juice or milk if you’re worried about the mess. It’ll make clean-up much easier!
  • Try two or three different styles of sippy cups. Don’t give up if your baby doesn’t want to take the first one you choose. There are so many choices available that you don’t have to keep using a cup you and your child hate.

What Should I Do If My Child Refuses a Sippy Cup?

First of all, don’t worry. Your child will follow their own pace, and as long as you’re patient and keep trying, they’ll get it eventually.

Each kid will be different, and some even skip right past sippy cups and use ordinary cups immediately. Try the above tips to introduce one when you think your child is ready. But if they’re still not interested, consider the following:

  • It may be too soon. Wait a while and try again under different circumstances.
  • A drop of breast milk on the spout can entice reluctant children.
  • “Drink” from the cup yourself, or make sure your baby sees an older sibling doing the same. This will arouse their curiosity.
  • Practice placing the spout correctly in your child’s mouth first, just so they get used to the sensation.
  • Offer a bottle nipple without the bottle, then quickly follow with a sippy cup to make the connection.
  • Experiment: try using the sippy cup with or without the handles, with different liquids in different amounts, and different bottle styles. Watch your baby carefully to see how they fare. Is the cup too heavy for them? Is the flow too fast or slow? Adjust as necessary.
  • Finally, be patient. It will take a little trial and error. Try not to be angry or scold your child if they spill — it’s all part of the learning curve.

What Should I Put in a Sippy Cup?

What you give your baby to drink will depend on their age.

For babies under six months of age, offer either breast milk or formula in the quantity they’re used to — there’s no need for water before six months.

After six months, you can start introducing no more than four ounces of 100 percent fruit juice (sporadically), as well as water. Juice should be thought of as a treat because it doesn’t offer anything nutritionally, and the sugars can damage your child’s teeth.

Avoid offering sweet tea, sugary artificial drinks, or soda. If your little one’s appetite seems diminished at mealtimes, consider limiting drinks to water so they don’t get too full.

What Kind of Sippy Cup is Best?

The answer to this depends entirely on your kid and where they are in their development.

If you have an older toddler, the Munchkin Miracle 360 Sippy Cup is our recommendation for its no-spill and spout-free design. It’s engineered to be the last transitional cup your child gets before they move on to regular cups.

If you’ve got a baby or a very young toddler who is still used to drinking out of bottles, we say the MAM Trainer Cup with Handles is best.

The soft spout resembles a nipple, making it easy for your baby to suckle from. The handles are soft and easy to grip, so very young ones won’t have difficulty grasping it.

What Sippy Cup is Best for Formula?

We highly recommend the Re-Play sippy cups for formula. Why? This cup has a special valve inside that blocks the flow of milk when suction isn’t being applied. This means you’ll have to spend zero time cleaning up spilled milk every time your little flips their cup upside down.

Earlier, we talked a little bit about how the Re-Play Sippy Cup’s valve is removable. This is an important feature that makes it great for the transitional stages of bottle to sippy cup to regular cup.

After a few months, you should remove the no-spill valve so your kid gets used to the idea that people don’t flip their cups upside down or their drink will spill out.

Is It Better to Use a Sippy Cup or a Straw?

Straws are best for toddlers who are done with sippy cups or almost done with sippy cups. The trouble with a straw is that drinks spill out of them if the cup is tipped upside down (which toddlers have a habit of doing often.)

Toddlers who are becoming used to regular cups will do better with straws than young toddlers who barely have the grip strength to hold a cup upright.

Sippy cups are a good transitional cup for babies being weaned off the bottle. You don’t want your kid to be in the sippy cup stage for too long, but during their younger toddler years, sippy cups are best for hands-on, spill-free drinks.

Do Sippy Cups Affect Speech?

Sippy cups can affect speech if your child isn’t drinking out of them correctly, so make sure to monitor their drinking when you first give them a new cup.

Most importantly, check that their tongue is in their mouth while they’re drinking. Constantly drinking with their tongue outside of their mouth is when speech problems can happen.

For the most part, sippy cups are totally safe for your child. In fact, they’re recommended. Still, it’s important to make sure your toddler is using theirs safely and correctly. Only when constantly misused do sippy cups become a problem.

Do You Have to Wash a Sippy Cup After Every Use?

Yes, yes, yes! It’s important you keep your baby’s sippy cup as clean as you’d keep your own cups when guests are around. It’s so easy for bacteria to become trapped in the crevices of the cup and stay there when you pour the second drink without washing up first.

Think about it this way-you wouldn’t drink milk that’s been left out for more than two hours. Milk traces in your toddler’s cup spoil just the same. It isn’t sanitary to pour them a new drink without washing out the first one.

Make sure you’re fully taking the cup apart for each wash, too. Some lids have multiple components that need to be taken apart and washed with each cleaning.


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Reviewed by

Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC

Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC is a cardiology nurse and freelance medical writer. Katelyn has 8 years of nursing experience inpatient and outpatient, primarily medical-surgical and cardiac. After having two children she has a passion for Women’s Health and Lactation teaching and support.