Our little ones are constantly growing, aren’t they? We all are, yes, but their transition from newborn to baby to toddler happens so rapidly that it can be hard to keep up with bridging the stages of their swift growth. When it comes to toddler cups, you can relax a little because we’ve complied a list of the seven best cups for the toddler years.
Table of Contents
Best Toddler Cups
1. NUK Learner Cup
(Best learning cup — $)
Why it’s great: The NUK Learner Cup is the perfect companion for your child to grow with. The product has an easy grip and anti-slip handles that can be removed as baby grows. It’s regarded as the most appropriate for the transition from bottle to cup. It’s also spill-proof and has a gentle on the gums spout. There is also an air vent to reduce the amount of swallowed air during drinking.
The NUK cup is made from BPA-free plastic, is dishwasher safe, and it’s compatible with other NUK bottles. This cup is often complimented for having a very adorable design with attractive colors any child will favor. Compared to other similar products, it’s also quite affordable.
Keep in mind: Some toddlers take better to the spout than others. There are also some mixed reviews regarding the upside-down design of the handle as it does not fit the cup holder in some strollers, but once your child outgrows it, it’s easier to use.
Good for: First intro to cups, toddlers who need a handle on their cup, spill-proof use
Why it’s great: The PBJ Sippy Cup – with strap – is said to be a must-have for toddlers who have a habit of throwing cups. Its sturdy and robust build and quality ensures it survives a fall every time. It was made by a mom, so you know you’re getting a thoughtful product as well. Use it anywhere at home (especially with more than one child), for outdoor activities, and traveling.
The cup’s strap can be attached to strollers, car seats, high chairs, shopping carts, and more. Its multi-use ability makes it easy to take anywhere and it grows with your child in any situation. The push-button buckle makes it challenging for your toddler to remove the strap as well, but it’s easy to adjust.
Keep in mind: Though some parents feel the length of the strap is too short, remember this prevents it from becoming a choking hazard.
Good for: Toddlers who throw or misplace their cups often, durability, toddlers who need a strap on their sippy cup
Why it’s great: The Tommee Tippee Tumbler Cup is the perfect cup to encourage toddlers to drink by themselves. It’s a lightweight, easy-grip sippy cup for children above 12 months. The tumblers are made from insulated, BPA-free materials to keep any drink fresh and cool.
It’s also spill-proof, leak-proof, durable, and the spout is easy on the gums. It can also hold warm liquid thanks to the insulating material of the cup. It’s also made with a two-piece valve (that can be replaced) that can be taken apart, washed on the first rack, and reassembled with ease.
Keep in mind: The production company itself recommends refraining from putting hot liquid in the cup to ensure better durability. Aim for warmer contents to prevent burning your child.
Why it’s great: Stainless Steel Cups with straws and lids for toddlers? A complete game-changer! These are durable, easy to clean, and of course, made of stainless steel so you don’t have to worry about rusting. These cups are designed with silicon sleeves as well, making them not only easy to hold, but fantastic for both hot and cold beverages.
The bendable metal straws make it easy to turn these into sippy cups as well. They are available in both small and large sizes and are a great outdoor option for any occasion. These sustainable cups come in a wide range of fun colors your child can choose from, too!
Keep in mind: Although metal straws are great for the environment, please make sure to supervise your toddler with this or anything that goes into their mouths, especially while moving. You must also be careful about pouring hot liquid into these cups because metal conducts heat quickly, and the silicon sleeves may not fully protect the hands.
Good for: Toddlers who need a straw and lid combo with their cup, the environment (longevity of stainless steel)
Why it’s great: Dr Brown’s 360 Spoutless Training Cups are incredible for everyday use. The 360-degree design enables your child to drink from any edge without spilling! The transparent sip-and-see silicon valve allows your little one to see inside without making a mess, so it makes the transition to big cups a lot easier. The translucent sides also show when it’s time for a refill.
These cups also come with handles attached to them, which makes them very convenient for toddlers to grip. It’s also leakproof, very easy to clean, durable, and sturdy enough to surpass the many drop and throw tests our kids perform daily. You can get these spoutless training cups in two styles and colors.
Keep in mind: These cups have an innovative design, so be sure to guide your little one in the beginning.
Good for: Toddlers who need a spoutless training cup
On An Important Side Note… Asher and I (pictured) feel it’s necessary to highlight the value of life insurance for parents with young kids. After extensive research, we discovered that parents can get insured for as little as $10 per month. We use Ladder Life who offers coverage up to $3M per parent (without a medical exam, just a few health questions) and you can apply 100% online.
6. Munchkin Splash Toddler Cups with Training Lids
(Best training cup — $$)
Why it’s great: The Munchkin Splash Toddler Cups comes with training lids as an incredible alternative to typical sippy cups. These are made of superior-quality material and come in a wide range of colors. Its simple design makes it convenient for children above 18 months.
The press-fit training lid in these cups is fantastic for toddlers who are slowly preparing to switch to normal cups. These are BPA-free and dishwasher safe. Despite their small appearing size, the cups can hold up to 7 ounces of liquid. They are sturdy and stackable to help you with storage space.
Keep in mind: Although these cups come with press-fit training lids, they are not spill proof. However, these cups are great for regular use, even without the lids.
Why it’s great: The Munchkin Multi Cups are perfectly toddler friendly sized cups that are amazing for frequent use. If you’re looking for cups that are easy for a toddler to pick up and simultaneously small enough to prevent massive spillage, then these cups are precisely what you need.
These are made of polypropylene, so they are quite thick and sturdy to last through the cup learning years. They’re also easy to clean, affordable, and reliable as they retain their shape perfectly even after a drop or a throw. This set of cups come in four different colors and are indeed a great value for money!
Keep in mind: These are unsuitable for use with a hot drink. Remember, they have no grooves or handles, so they’re best for more mature toddlers.
Good for: Toddlers who are ready to use cups, budget-conscious households
The NUK Learner Cup is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..
1. Why should I get a cup specifically made for my toddler?
Cups made for toddlers are ergonomically designed and better equipped to deal with size, movements, and activities of a toddler.
2. When does my toddler need a toddler cup?
Toddlers can be introduced to cups from 6 months onwards. Toddlers from 6 to 9 months often use sippy cups, and when they reach 12 months of age, they usually begin switching to regular cups.
3. What’s BPA and why is it important?
BPA refers to the organic compound Bisphenol-A. BPA can cause harm to the brain and prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children. Thus, it is very important for cups, and any material that goes into a child’s mouth, to be BPA-free.
4. What are other safety recommendations to keep in mind?
The other safety measures to keep in mind are:
Choking hazards such as small parts
Other chemicals or compounds such as BPA
Maintaining supervision in general with cups to prevent choking on liquids
5. How do I know which features to get in a cup?
Some common features to look for in a cup are:
Leak-proof and spill-proof cups.
Soft spout for gums and for ease of sucking liquid out.
Easy to clean.
Removable handles.
Lightweight and easy to grip.
Durability.
Conclusion
Your little one is on the journey of growing up, and part of that journey is transitioning from breastfeeding and/or formula from a nipple to various training cups before they get to use a “big” boy/girl cup. No matter where your little one is on their sippin’ journey, you’ll find some great options from beginner and up.
On An Important Side Note… Asher and I (pictured) feel it’s necessary to highlight the value of life insurance for parents with young kids. After extensive research, we discovered that parents can get insured for as little as $10 per month. We use Ladder Life who offers coverage up to $3M per parent (without a medical exam, just a few health questions) and you can apply 100% online.
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