The Best Sippy Cup For Every Stage [+ Transition Sippy Cups!]

Parenting decisions can feel a little overwhelming. I bet when you decided to have a little one of your own you didn’t imagine spending hours browsing different types of sippy cups (I know I sure didn’t)! While I can’t tell you exactly what sippy cup will work for your baby, I can tell you about the best options on the market and give you some pointers on what to look for.

So, below you will find the best sippy cup for every age to help make this transition as easy as possible.

What to Look For

Sippy cups are made for all different stages. The first thing you will want to think about is what type of cup your little one is ready for. You might need to try a few to find out which your baby prefers. Their preferences may change as they get used to a sippy cup and develop new skills.

Types of Sippy Cups

Transition Cups (6-9 months): These are the most like a bottle, they have soft spouts and handles. One popular option is the NUK Learner Cup.

Hard Spout Cups (9-12 months): These are the typical “next step” after soft spout cups. They help your little one transition from sucking to tilting their cup and taking sips.

Straw Sippy Cups (9-12 months): Like the name says, these are cups with a straw. Some babies struggle with the concept of a straw so before fully stocking up on these, make sure they work for your little one.

Training Cups (9-12 months): Instead of a spout, these have a flat top. Water can flow from all edges of the cup so they help your child learn how to drink out of a regular cup, without causing all of the mess. They are also sometimes referred to as 360 cups or flat-lid cups.

Insulated Cups (toddler): For maintaining temperature, insulated sippy cups are great. My favorite is the Thermos Foogo.

The next thing to consider is the material. Just like when you chose bottles for your baby, it is crucial to think about the material of the sippy cup they will be drinking out of. Plastic will be the most common option you find. It is fine to go with this just make sure it is made of BPA-free plastics. You can also find stainless steel and silicone options, both of which are super durable.

You will also want this cup to be very easy to clean, as it will be tossed out of strollers and thrown from high chairs and encounter endless toddler germs. Each cup will have its own specific cleaning instructions so be sure to follow them. However, try to find one that can be placed in the dishwasher because it will be much easier than hand cleaning.

The Best Sippy Cup for your Baby [and to PREVENT SPILLS!]

b.box Sippy Cup – My Overall Top Pick!

These award-winning sippy cups are the only straw cup that can be used from 6 months all the way through toddlerhood!

I was completely blown away by how incredible the b.box sippy cups were when I gave them a try for the first time! Not only do they have a one-of-a-kind design that perfectly blends functionality and style, but they also come with a groundbreaking feature: the innovative b.box weighted straw. This special straw allows kids to drink comfortably from any angle without spilling.

But wait, there’s more! These cups also come with a flip-top lid that’s easy to open and close. That means your little one should have no trouble using the cup independently. Seriously impressive, shop here!

Munchkin Latch Transition Cup – Best Transition Sippy Cup!

This one is my personal favorite transition sippy cup! You will find a lot of moms rave about this bottle as “the only bottle my baby will take”.

The most important feature is the soft silicone spout that is gentle on little mouths and flexible so it moves with the baby. I also like that the ergonomic handles are easy for toddlers to hold onto, but they are removable if your child outgrows the need for handles.

Another awesome feature is that nothing comes out unless it is sucked on, so you can avoid the mess.

I have heard that some babies do have a couple-day learning curve on this bottle, but once they get used to it, they love it. Check Current Prices Here!

NUK Learner Cup

The NUK Learner Sippy Cup is a great transition cup option. Transitioning from a nipple to a cup is a transition. This cup is a safe option for dental development. It is easy to clean and assemble after being taken apart.

This cup is made to be easy for little hands to hold, meaning maybe they will actually keep it instead of tossing it. Check Current Prices Here!

Nuby No-Spill Super Sprout – Awesome Soft Spout Option!

This one is a staple in MANY households. This is one of the few cups that really can handle it all, even the scariest of tantrums. It rarely leaks even when thrown or shaken. Its soft spout makes the transition from bottle easy and also teaches your child how to drink properly.

The spout is only one clear piece so it is easy to clean and also easy to spot when dirty. However, after a while, you might need to toss some pieces as they get too dirty or start leaking.

Luckily, Nuby’s parts can be changed out for pieces from other cups making it easy to mix and match. I know all to well that cupboards can quickly turn into a blackhole and find the matching cup and lid can be difficult. Check Current Prices Here!

NUK Everlast Hard Spout Sippy Cup – Popular Hard Spout Option!

If you are looking for a great hard-spout sippy cup, the NUK Everylast is it. It is made of a special type of plastic that is very durable. Trust me, this comes in handy when your toddler decides dropping (or throwing) their cup is their new favorite activity. It is also bite-proof, which is a must to keep it safe from teething.

Not to mention, it has an easy-grip easy-hold shape so your little one will have no problem keeping it in their hands. Shop here!

Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Cup – Best Sippy Cup for No Mess Skill Learning!

These cups have become increasingly popular, and it is no mystery why! They are spill-proof, train your child for a regular cup, and support dental health. Wondering how it works? The rim around the top allows your child to sip from anywhere but automatically seals when it is not being drunk out of.

Plus, they don’t have very many pieces making them some of the easiest cups to clean. You can even toss them in the dishwasher.

Check Current Prices Here!

Reflo Smart Cup

Like the Munchkin Miracle 360 above, the Reflo Smart Cup will help your little one develop the skills they need to drink out of a regular cup. It is not truly a sippy cup, but it is a cup that helps to prevent spills while your kiddo is still learning. It is just like drinking from an opened-rimmed cup, but there is an insert that controls the flow of liquid making it so that your child doesn’t drink too fast and spill.

It also means if it is tipped over, it affords you a little extra reaction time before there is a mess. There is no suction needed to make this cup work as it is designed to be free-flowing which means there are no concerns related to dental development. Check it out here!

Thermos Foogo Insulated Sippee – Best Sippy Cup to Keep Drinks Warm or Cold!

For the eco-friendly family or one that is always on the go, this insulated stainless steel cup might just be the perfect fit. It can keep your little one’s drink cold for up to six hours, which is awesome in all sorts of scenarios from long hikes to cross-country plane rides.

This cup can grow with your child easily with the removal of the handles or the addition of interchangeable Foogo parts. Check it out here!

There you have it, our complete list of the Best sippy cups on the market! Do you have one you prefer? Or Do you have a question about any of the sippy cups?

Let us know in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of sippy cup is best?

Sippy cups are made for all different stages. You might need to try a few to find out which your baby prefers. Babies typically start with a soft spout, hard spout, or straw cup. Then, they move onto a flat-lid training cup.

What is the best sippy cup for 1 year old?

Your one year old is most likely ready for a flat-lid training cup. Water can flow from all edges of these cups so they help your child learn how to drink out of a regular cup, without causing all of the mess.

What is the best sippy cup for healthy teeth?

Many say that flat-lid training cups are the best for healthy teeth. I recommend speaking to your pediatrician and dentist about what they think is best for your child as every kiddo is different.