Sippy Cup vs Training Cup: When to Switch?
The transition from bottle to cup is a major milestone in your baby's development, but it can feel confusing when you're faced with dozens of options: sippy cups, training cups, straw cups, open cups. If you're wondering when to make the switch and which type is best for your child, you're not alone.
Pediatric dentists and child development experts generally recommend introducing cups around 6 months and phasing out bottles by 12–18 months to support healthy oral development and independent drinking skills. In this guide, we'll break down the differences between sippy cups and training cups, when to introduce each type, and how to choose the right one for your baby's age and needs.
Sippy Cup vs Training Cup: What's the Difference?
Sippy Cups (Spout Design)
Sippy cups feature a hard or soft spout that your baby sucks on, similar to a bottle teat. They're designed as a transitional step between bottles and open cups.
Pros:
- Spill-proof or leak-resistant (great for travel and daycare)
- Familiar sucking motion makes transition easier
- Easy-grip handles for small hands
- Available in various sizes (150ml–300ml)
Cons:
- Can delay oral motor development if used too long
- May contribute to tooth decay if used with sugary drinks
- Doesn't teach proper sipping technique
Best for: 6–12 months, first cup introduction, travel, daycare
Training Cups (Rim or Straw Design)
Training cups have a 360-degree rim, open top, or straw that encourages proper sipping and tongue placement. They're closer to regular cups and promote better oral development.
Pros:
- Supports healthy oral motor development
- Teaches proper drinking technique
- Reduces risk of tooth decay
- Easier transition to open cups
Cons:
- More spills during learning phase
- Requires more supervision initially
- May be frustrating for younger babies
Best for: 9+ months, developing independent drinking, home use
Materials: Silicone vs Plastic
All modern cups should be BPA-free. Safe materials include:
- Silicone: Soft, flexible, unbreakable, gentle on gums
- Polypropylene (PP): Lightweight, durable, dishwasher-safe
- Stainless steel: Insulated, eco-friendly, keeps drinks cold
Age Milestones: What to Try When
6–9 Months: First Cup Introduction
Around 6 months, when you start weaning, introduce a sippy cup with handles and a soft spout.
What to look for:
- Soft silicone spout (gentle on gums)
- Easy-grip handles
- Small capacity (150–200ml)
- Spill-proof valve for mess-free learning
Recommended: Philips Avent Training Cup 200ml, Mamajoo Training Cup 160ml
Tips: Offer water or diluted juice at mealtimes. Let baby explore the cup during highchair time alongside bowls and spoons.
9–12 Months: Transition to Training Cups
Once your baby has mastered the sippy cup, introduce a training cup with a straw or 360-degree rim.
What to look for:
- Weighted straw cup (straw stays in liquid)
- 360-degree rim (drink from any angle)
- Medium capacity (200–250ml)
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning
Recommended: Munchkin Click Lock Weighted Straw Cup 207ml, Doidy Cup (angled open cup)
Tips: Practice with water first. Expect spills – it's part of learning! Use a waterproof bib to protect clothing.
12–18 Months: Open Cup Practice
By 12 months, start offering an open cup alongside training cups. This is when you should phase out bottles completely.
What to look for:
- Small open cup (50–100ml)
- Wide base for stability
- Angled design (like Doidy Cup)
- Unbreakable materials
Recommended: Doidy Cup, TUM TUM Tippy Up Cup
Tips: Fill cup only 1/4 full. Practice at bath time for mess-free learning. Praise attempts, not just success.
Choosing by Use Case
For Daycare or Nursery
Choose spill-proof sippy cups with secure lids and easy-grip handles. Look for cups that are:
- Leak-proof (won't spill in nappy bag)
- Dishwasher-safe (easy for staff to clean)
- Clearly labeled with your child's name
- Familiar design your baby already uses at home
Top picks: Nuby Flip N' Sip 240ml, NUK Active Cup 300ml
For Travel
Lightweight, spill-proof cups with secure lids are essential for car journeys and flights.
- Compact size (fits in cup holders)
- 100% leak-proof valve
- Easy to clean on the go
- Replacement parts available
Top picks: Munchkin Click Lock Straw Cup, Sophie La Girafe Non-Spill Cup
For Home Use
At home, prioritize developmental benefits over spill-proofing. Training cups and open cups are ideal.
- 360-degree rim cups
- Weighted straw cups
- Small open cups for supervised practice
Top picks: Doidy Cup, TUM TUM Tippy Up Cup, Philips Avent Training Cup
Editors' Picks: Best Sippy & Training Cups
Based on safety standards, developmental benefits, and in-stock availability from our ebebek collection, here are our top recommendations:
- Philips Avent Training Cup 6+ months 200ml - Purple – Soft silicone spout, easy-grip handles, spill-proof valve. Perfect first cup for 6+ months. Browse more Philips Avent products.
- Munchkin Click Lock Tip & Sip Weighted Straw Cup 207ml - Blue – Weighted straw stays in liquid, 100% leak-proof, dishwasher-safe. Ideal for 9+ months.
- Doidy Cup - Red – Award-winning angled open cup. Teaches proper drinking technique, reduces spills. Great for 6+ months supervised use.
- Nuby Flip N' Sip Sippy Cup 240ml Pack of 1 – Flip-top spout, spill-proof, easy-clean design. Perfect for daycare and travel.
- TUM TUM Tippy Up Cup - Boris Bear – Fun character design, angled for easy drinking, BPA-free. Encourages independent drinking.
- Sophie La Girafe Non-Spill Cup 6+ months – Iconic Sophie design, soft spout, non-spill valve. Trusted by parents worldwide.
- Mamajoo Training Cup with Handles 6+ months 160ml - Powder Pink – Ergonomic handles, soft silicone spout, compact size. Perfect for small hands.
- NUK Disney Winnie the Pooh Active Cup with Spout 300ml – Larger capacity for toddlers, fun Disney design, leak-proof spout. Great for 12+ months.
All products are in stock and ready to ship. Processing: 1–2 days · UK Delivery: 2–3 days.
Complete Your Weaning Setup
Pair your sippy or training cup with these weaning essentials:
- Baby bowls with suction bases
- Soft-tip weaning spoons
- Self-feeding cutlery sets
- Waterproof weaning bibs with food-catch pockets
- Highchairs for safe, comfortable mealtimes
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I teach my baby to use an open cup?
Start with a small, angled cup like the Doidy Cup around 6 months. Fill it only 1/4 full with water. Hold the cup to your baby's lips and tip gently, letting them control the flow with their tongue. Practice at bath time or outdoors where spills don't matter. Expect mess – it's part of learning! Most babies master open cups by 12–18 months with regular practice. Use a waterproof bib and praise every attempt.
What's the difference between spill-proof and free-flow cups?
Spill-proof cups have a valve that requires sucking to release liquid. They're great for travel and daycare but can delay oral development if used exclusively. Free-flow cups (like straw cups or open cups) allow liquid to flow freely, teaching proper sipping and tongue placement. Pediatric dentists recommend free-flow cups for everyday use and spill-proof cups only for travel or special occasions. A good compromise is a weighted straw cup – it's free-flow but less messy than an open cup.
How much should my baby drink from a cup at each age?
Here's a general guide for daily fluid intake (including milk and water):
- 6–12 months: 800ml–1000ml total (mostly breast milk or formula, plus 50–100ml water with meals)
- 12–24 months: 1000ml–1200ml total (300–400ml whole milk, rest as water)
- 2–3 years: 1200ml–1400ml total (300–400ml milk, rest as water)
Offer water with every meal and snack. Avoid sugary drinks in cups to prevent tooth decay. If your baby refuses the cup, try different designs – some babies prefer straws, others prefer spouts. Explore our full range of sippy and training cups to find the perfect match.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Transitioning from bottles to cups is a gradual process that supports your baby's independence and oral development. Whether you start with a soft-spout sippy cup or jump straight to a training cup, the key is consistency and patience. Every baby is different – some take to cups immediately, others need weeks of practice.
Browse our complete ebebek baby essentials collection for more feeding solutions, including baby bottles, breast pumps, and complete weaning sets.