In this article, we’ve taken a closer look at our favorite straw cups and the top picks in each category: training cups, straw cups, and cups with spouts.
In a perfect world, babies would transition from bottle to cup overnight. In the real world, they barely have enough coordination to do this. If your baby is ready to start drinking water, breast milk or formula from something other than a bottle, a training cup is the perfect place to start.
Some parents jump straight to a “straw” sippy cup or a newer “rimless” cup (which is our favorite option); Of course, many people use a regular “spouted” straw cup, which holds more liquid, allows your older kids to drink a little faster, and can also be packed into a lunch box (some of them) without spilling.
If you can transition to a regular cup as early as possible, you’ll be more empowered. The truth is that most parents use some form of sippy cup during preschool. Another tip – please don’t expect your baby to pick up the cup from day one and start drinking only with it – it can take months. When evaluating sippy cups, keep in mind that no cup is completely bulletproof in any situation, so it’s best to keep sippy cups away from laptop bags or cell phone wallets, and away from electronics in general. Even the best straw cups can screw the wrong thread when you’re in a hurry, which can lead to leaks.
Also note that all of the cups mentioned below are made of BPA-free plastic.
Munchkin Miracle 360 Training Cup~$13/2
The Munchkin 360 nozzleless training cup is highly rated, and for good reason. The handle is easy to hold and your little one can drink from anywhere on the edge. (They also have a “handleless” version for older babies.) Because the cup seals automatically when not in use, it creates (sort of) a leak-proof seal – I say “somehow” because it splashes/leaks when not in use and throws on the floor, and the seal tends to erode after a while. *If you are packing these items, please pick up a set of lids for extra protection.
By the way, Munchkin pretty much dominates the 360/rimless cup category – it’s undoubtedly the best option if you’re switching directly from breast milk/bottles to 360 framed cups. Don’t waste your money on others.
One thing to note: if your child chews silicone regularly, you will have to throw away the top once the seal is damaged by chewing.
Nuby Non-Spill Super Nozzle ~$10/2
Nuby is one of my favorite sippy cup companies. Many of their straw cup parts are interchangeable, and all are easy to clean. This cup holds up after being used as a flying missile, does not spill when dropped or shaken, and is also economical to start.
Philips Avent My Natural Training Cup~$7
This mug is another one that is loved by parents and comes with a nipple and spout, so it’s a great “Transformers” mug. It has a hygienic lid that’s perfect for on the go (or in a sandbox!). Keep the nozzle clean.
And.…… If you’re looking for stainless steel or a glass for this stage, check out: Kid Basix Safe Sippy, Green Sprouts (top rated this one), Grow With Me, and Munchkin Cool Cat.
Straw Sippy Cups
One of the biggest complaints about Straw Sippy Cups is that they are difficult to remove and clean, and straws are especially difficult to clean. Another note is that regular straw cups (and bottles) must be tilted to get back to work. Straw cups, on the other hand, are the opposite and need to keep them level (not tilted) in order to work.
Nuby Flex Straw ~$8 for 3
In the economic sector, these straws from Nuby are very inexpensive, and the long, flexible straws make them easy to use.
The downside is that the liquid tends to flow a little slower than other sippy cups…… But overall, these straw cups are popular. As with most leak-proof straws, this cup will leak if it is thrown away.
ZoLi BOT ~$12
The Zoli Bot is the original “weighted straw” cup. The straw is soft and attractive to babies and toddlers, and the sliding lid keeps the straw clean on the go.
Also note that the Zoli straw can be a bit difficult to clean after using it with milk or juice. My advice is to clean it immediately after use and not leave it for too long. You can also suck up some clean water (during washing) to rinse it off completely (nauseous, but worth it). If you happen to fall in love with the Zoli Bot, I highly recommend purchasing a cleaning brush.
You can also purchase a replacement straw, as the straw is usually the first part to fail. Still, I think it’s a great mug that both parents and kids will love.
b. box Essential Sippy Cup~$12
Also in the category of “Beloved Weighted Straws”, B. Box Weighted Sippy is thicker and more stable. It’s also a very good cup, although I found it more difficult to string properly (i.e. screw on top) than the Zoli Bot.
This cup has a larger safety valve, so I don’t think it will have the aforementioned “up-jetting” problem.
Cup with Spout
Then there are the plain old-fashioned spouted straw cups. The cups in this category are the more traditional spouted straws we are Xi seeing. These can be packed in a lunch box or backpack, as long as they are spill-proof. (Many lids have a plug inside that allows the liquid to flow in one direction.)
The dentist will tell you again that long-term use of such a sippy cup (i.e. one with a nozzle) can affect the growth of the child’s jaw (dentist without children – just kidding!). In fact, most parents have been using sippy cups for years; If you have concerns, talk to your child’s dentist.
The First Years Take & Toss~$4-$7
The Take and Toss mug is perfect for keeping at home for tourists and also for traveling. They are inexpensive and durable, and can be used over and over again. What if you lose one? No big deal.
*Note: These are also available in straw versions, which are great for smoothies as the straw is slightly wider and makes it easier to suck up thicker liquids.
Gerber Graduates Fun Grips ~$2-$6
Gerber graduates have always been a parent favourite! These hourglass-shaped cups are easy to hold and are very stable when put down, making them less likely to tip over. Thanks to the removable valves (which are removed and cleaned after use), they are completely spill-proof.
The only downside is that these straws are a bit too big (wide) for some cup holders (strollers and car seats). But they are perfect in other ways.
Re-Play No Spill Sippy Cup~$3 for 16
These sturdy straws are made from recycled milk jugs (!!) in the United States. They are excellent at leak control and are also easy to clean.
There have been few complaints about Re-Play straws, but some parents do notice that it can be a bit difficult for young toddlers to drink them at first.
Playtex Sipsters Insulated Spout Cup ~$12/2pcs
If you’re looking for some fun character cups (etc.), check out the Playtex Tropical Spout Cup. Since they have double insulation, they are perfect for hot summer days or long aways.