❚ This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you buy products or sign up for services through links on our site, but this never affects our recommendations.

Best open cups, straw cups and sippy cups for babies and toddlers

Moving your baby or toddler on to drinking from a cup or beaker? Here's everything you need to know, and the very best products to make it easy.

Published: April 24, 2026 at 12:14 PM

Save

Along with weaning comes another fun but daunting task: introducing your baby to drinking from a cup. Whether they're breastfed, bottle fed or a bit of both, your baby will be used to the familiar feel of a nipple or teat, but they’ll eventually need to move away from that sucking action.

Giving them small amounts of water with meals in the early stages of weaning can help them get used to drinking from a cup, making it easier to move to one full-time as they get older and drop milk feeds.

We've tested every cup in this list with babies and toddlers between the ages of 6 months and 2 years, to find the cups that children and parents really rate. For older children on the go, take a look at our best kids water bottles.

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Squirrel. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Squirrel may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Squirrel and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

Best cups and beakers at a glance

How did we choose and test these products?

Our 10 of the Best lists are compiled by qualified and experienced parenting journalists. We rely on a number of sources, including our independent reviews and feedback from our home testing panel and MadeForMums Club. All our cups were tested and rated for durability, ease of use, ease of cleaning, baby/toddler appeal and value for money. This list is not an ordered ranking from 1-10, instead it is a carefully selected group of tried-and-tested products, each of which we believe is best for a different situation or requirement.

Key specs: How the best cups and beakers for babies and toddler compare

ProductPriceBest forTypeCapacitySpoutHandlesValveSpill-freeTommee Tippee Essential Free Flow First Cup£2.99Budget cupFree flow190mlHard, flip-up spoutYesNoWith spout flipped downDoidy Training Cup£5.99Reducing spillsOpen cup200mlNoYesNoNoTum Tum Tippy Up Free Flow Sippy Cupfrom £9.99Free-flow straw cupStraw cup200mlStrawYesNoWith lid onMunchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Cup£6.30Convenience360 cup207mlSpill-free lidYesYes (valve-style lid)YesMAM Starter Cup & Glow Handles£6.99Baby's first cupSoft spout cup150mlSilicone spoutYesNoYesBamboo Bamboo Baby Sippy Cup£9.99SustainabilityOpen cup150mlNoNoNoNoMAM Trainer 2-in-1 Cup£10TransitioningSippy cup220mlSoft teat/spoutYes, removableYesWith lid onMunchkin Tip & Sip Cup£7.99TravelStraw cup296mlSoft strawYesYesYesPandaEar Open Cup£7.95 for 2SimplicityOpen cup104mlNoNoNoNo

Best cups and beakers for babies and toddlers for 2026

Tommee Tippee Essential Free Flow First Cup, £2.99

Best for: Budget cup

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Squirrel. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Squirrel may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Squirrel and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

Tommee Tippee Free Flow First Cup being tested by a toddler

Why we chose it: This classic, affordable free-flow cup is easy to use, easy to clean and widely available, making it a practical first cup for everyday use.

We tried SO many different cups and the best one for us for water is the free flow Tommee Tippee cup. Easy to drink from and nice size for small hands. Also the action is more like a regular cup than straws or sucking.

Parent tester Laura

What we like

What to keep in mind

Key SpecsTommee Tippee Essential Free Flow First CupPrice£2.99Best forBudget cupTypeFree flowCapacity190mlSpoutHard, flip-up spoutHandlesYesValveNoSpill-freeWith spout flipped down

This is a great budget choice for parents who want a simple, no-fuss first cup. It’s easy for small hands to hold, straightforward to clean and encourages babies to practise proper sipping, although it can be messy while they’re learning.

Available from: Boots, ASDA and Tesco

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Squirrel. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Squirrel may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Squirrel and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

Doidy Training Cup, £5.99

Best for: Reducing spills

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Squirrel. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Squirrel may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Squirrel and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

Doidy cup tester picture and product shot

Why we chose it: The slanted open-cup design helps babies see the liquid and drink with less tipping, making it a useful training cup for early weaning.

My son is able to hold it himself and bring to his mouth without aid, he's also able to successfully drink from it with some assistance. It's easy to clean, durable and has taken its fair share of whacks and drops from my little one!

Parent tester Beth, mum to 6-month-old son Luca (pictured above)

What we like

What to keep in mind

Key SpecsDoidy Training CupBest forReducing spillsPrice£5.99TypeOpen cupCapacity200mlSpoutNoHandlesYesValveNoSpill-freeNo

This is a good option for parents who want to introduce an open cup but keep spills a little more controlled. The slanted shape helps babies see the water and drink with less tipping, making it a useful training step.

Available from: Amazon, Ebebek and Bickiepegs

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Squirrel. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Squirrel may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Squirrel and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

Tum Tum Tippy Up Free Flow Sippy Cup, from £9.99

Best for: Free-flow straw cup

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Squirrel. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Squirrel may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Squirrel and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

Tum Tum product shot and tester image

Why we chose it: This valve-free weighted straw cup is easier on oral development than many straw cups, while still offering a practical leakproof design when the lid is closed.

The fact it is leakproof is very helpful, especially as both my 10 month old and toddler have tried shaking it with no success! I love that the lid is permanently attached to the straw as it can't be lost, and that it can be used as a cup too. On top of functionality, it looks lovely – the designs are so cute and colourful.

Parent tester Aarti, mum to a 3 year old and 10 month old (pictured above)

What we like

What to keep in mind

Key SpecsTum Tum Tippy Up Free Flow Sippy CupBest forFree-flow straw cupPricefrom £9.99TypeStraw cupCapacity200mlSpoutStrawHandlesYesValveNoSpill-freeWith lid on

This is a strong choice for parents who want the convenience of a straw cup without a valve. It’s cute, practical and leakproof with the lid on, though the weighted straw does take a little more effort to clean.

Available from: Amazon

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Squirrel. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Squirrel may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Squirrel and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Cup, from £6.30

Best for: Convenience

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Squirrel. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Squirrel may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Squirrel and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Cup tester picture and product shot

Why we chose it: This popular 360 cup helps babies practise sipping with far less mess, making it a convenient option for home, childcare and days out.

The plastic is very lightweight yet robust (surviving multiple inevitable floor drops). The anti-spill top is very effective, making it suitable for young babies at the beginning of their ‘cup’ journey as it controls their flow and also prevents them soaking themselves, parent/carers and anyone else in the firing line! Our little one does still need a small amount of guidance to tilt the cup and use both hands but we are at the very beginning of weaning and I can see he will pick this up very quickly.

Parent tester Emma, who tested the Munchkin 360 cup with her 6-month-old son Lorcan (pictured above)

What we like

What to keep in mind

Key SpecsMunchkin Miracle 360 Trainer CupBest forConveniencePrice£6.30Type360 cupCapacity207mlSpoutNone, spill-free lidHandlesYesValveRubber lidSpill-freeYes

This is a handy option for parents who want fewer spills while their baby learns to sip. It’s sturdy, lightweight and easy to clean, but works best alongside open or free-flow cups rather than as your child’s only cup.

Available from: Munchkin (2 pack), Amazon (2 pack) and Boots

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Squirrel. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Squirrel may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Squirrel and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

MAM Starter Cup & Glow Handles, £6.99

Best for: Baby's first cup

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Squirrel. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Squirrel may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Squirrel and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

MAM Trainer Cup and Glow Handles tester picture and product shot

Why we chose it: This lightweight starter cup combines a soft spill-free spout with easy-grip glow-in-the-dark handles, making it an appealing first cup for babies.

This cup has a nice ergonomic design and my baby loved it. It’s quite pricey but it’s a fantastic first cup, and I think the addition of the glow in the dark handles is a great touch.

Parent tester Lesley, who tested this with their 9 month old

What we like

What to keep in mind

Key SpecsMAM Starter Cup & Glow HandlesBest forBaby's first cupRRP£6.99TypeSilicone spout sippy cupCapacity150mlSpoutYes, siliconeHandlesYesValveNoSpill-freeYes

This is a good first cup for babies who need a gentle transition from bottle or breast. The soft spout, lightweight design and glow-in-the-dark handles make it appealing and easy to use, although the small capacity means frequent refills.

Available from: Boots, Amazon, John Lewis

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Squirrel. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Squirrel may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Squirrel and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

Munchkin Tip & Sip Cup, £7.99

Best for: Travel

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Squirrel. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Squirrel may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Squirrel and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

Munchkin Tip & Sip Cup tester picture and product shot

Why we chose it: This compact straw cup impressed our tester with its no-spill design, baby-friendly straw and easy-clean parts, making it a practical choice for days out.

Overall, this straw cup is one of the best we've tried and as a mum of 4, I have tried my fair share of sippy cups and this one might be my favourite yet.

Parent tester Kimberley

What we like

What to keep in mind

Key SpecsMunchkin Tip & Sip CupRRP£7.99Best forTravelTypeStraw cupCapacity296mlSpoutSoft strawHandlesYesValveYes, updated valve positionSpill-freeYes

This is a good choice for parents who want a compact, no-spill straw cup for days out. It’s easy for babies to drink from, simple to clean and travel-friendly, with a cute design that appealed to our tester’s children.

Available from: Amazon

Bamboo Bamboo Baby Sippy Cup, £9.99

Best for: Sustainability

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Squirrel. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Squirrel may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Squirrel and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

Bamboo bamboo baby cup

Why we chose it: This open bamboo cup is a stylish, lower-plastic option for families who want a more sustainable weaning cup.

I love that it's biodegradable and good for the planet. I love that it's naturally anti-bacterial and anti-microbial. The design is lovely, simple yet stylish. It's handleless and open design which is good for not constantly buying new cups as they grow.

Parent tester Ashleigh, mum to a 7-month-old daughter

What we like

What to keep in mind

Key SpecsBamboo Bamboo Baby Sippy CupRRP£9.99Best forSustainabilityTypeOpen cupCapacity150mlSpoutNoHandlesNoValveNoSpill-freeNo

This is a lovely option for families looking for a more sustainable open cup. It looks stylish and supports proper sipping, but it needs more care than plastic or silicone cups and isn’t dishwasher-safe.

Available from: Amazon and Bamboo Bamboo

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Squirrel. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Squirrel may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Squirrel and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

MAM Trainer 2-in-1 Cup, £10

Best for: Transitioning

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Squirrel. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Squirrel may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Squirrel and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

MAM Trainer cup tested with a baby

Why we chose it: This soft-spout trainer cup can help babies move from bottle to cup more gradually, especially if they already use MAM bottles.

It's sturdy and well-made – it survived being dropped several times, and the teat didn’t spill. It's easy to clean as it can be broken down into separate parts.

Parent tester Rachel, mum to an 8 month old

What we like

What to keep in mind

Key SpecsMAM Trainer 2-in-1 CupRRP£10ValveYesBest forTransitioningTypeSippy cupCapacity220mlSpoutSoft/teatHandlesYes, removableSpill-freeWith lid on

This is a practical transition cup for babies moving from bottles to cups, especially if they already use MAM bottles. It’s sturdy and familiar-feeling, but the soft spout is best used as a short-term step.

Available from: Boots

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Squirrel. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Squirrel may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Squirrel and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

PandaEar Open Cup, £7.95 for 2

Best for: Simplicity

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Squirrel. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Squirrel may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Squirrel and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

Panda Ear cup product shot showing a blue and green cup

Why we chose it: These simple open cups are small-hand friendly, easy to wash and reasonably priced, making them a good no-fuss option for open-cup practice.

Love the PandaEar open cup, very small hand friendly with grips, nice size and silicone so easy to wash. Also really reasonably priced! My little one went straight to open cup thanks to these.

Parent tester Kate

What we like

What to keep in mind

Key SpecsPandaEar Open CupRRP£7.95 for 2Capacity104mlBest forSimplicityTypeOpen cupSpoutNoHandlesNoValveNoSpill-freeNo

This is a simple, affordable option for parents who want to start open-cup practice. The grippy silicone design helps little hands hold on, although it can still be messy while babies are learning.

Available from: Amazon

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Squirrel. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Squirrel may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Squirrel and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

What types of cup are there?

There are a huge variety of baby cups on offer, from trainer cups through to open cups, sippy cups, straw cups, weighted cups and spill-proof 360 cups. Each one suits a different age or situation. Here are some key things to look out for.

What to look for when buying a cup or beaker for a baby or toddler

Age suitability – Most cups will have a recommended age range which may help guide your decision, but remember a simple open cup is fine from 6 months and many of the special features and functions of other cups are not necessary, they’re just useful.
Spout material – Trainer cups often come with a soft spout similar to a bottle teat but with a larger hole. These are handy in the very early stages as they'll feel familiar to babies. However, you'll want to move to a hard spout, a straw cup or, ideally, an open cup as soon as you and your baby feel comfortable.
Valve vs free-flow – Free-flow means the liquid flows out of the cup or spout without needing to be sucked, and this is preferable. However, many cups designed for weaning babies and those under 1 have a valve to control the flow of liquid. They're easier for your baby to use and less messy, but they won't teach your child to drink "correctly". If you'd like to use a valve at the start, perhaps look for one that can be removed later, turning a sippy cup into a free-flow one to extend its life span.
Spill-free designs – "360" or spill-free cups look like a regular open cup but have a special lid with a rubber stopper in that prevents spills. These are brilliant for ease of use and they're popular with parents, but the lid is essentially a valve: your child will learn to sip but it's still not quite the same as an open cup. Again, it's best to consider these as an occasional or training option.
Straws – A lot of modern toddler cups have straws, and many dentists and speech therapists now recommend these alongside open cups if you need something more convenient, usually from around 9 months. Look for one with a short, fairly solid straw.
Handles – Many trainer cups and starter cups have handles, and a lot of babies will find these easier to grab and use at first, but do bear in mind it is another piece to wash and sterilise. There's no real developmental issue here: drinking vessels come in all styles for all ages, but it's a good idea to make sure your child has some cups without handles too, just like most adults will use a mixture of mugs and glasses.

When should I introduce a cup?

The NHS and the British Dental Health Foundation recommend that you begin to introduce a cup at around 6 months – when your baby can sit up unaided – with the aim of weaning them off bottles, if you are using them, by around age 1.
An open or free-flow cup is recommended. This is because soft rubber teats and spouts encourage children to suck for longer periods of time, which means milk or other liquids can stay in contact with their teeth for a long time, potentially causing tooth decay. An open cup also helps encourage a sipping action, rather than a sucking one, which teaches children to control the liquid better and helps with the development of their orofacial muscles, which are also used for speech.

What should I give my baby to drink from a cup?

Babies over 6 months only need milk and water. When you begin the weaning process your baby will still be having lots of milk feeds, and it's fine to serve both pumped breast milk or formula in a cup for these. Juices, squash, fizzy drinks, smoothies, flavoured waters and so on are not recommended by the NHS. You may notice that there are some juices and drinks marketed towards babies, but water is a much better option.
Once they are 6 months old, it's absolutely fine to give your baby water straight from the tap. Before 6 months, breastfed babies shouldn't need water at all, and formula-fed babies should only be given sips on very hot days or if they are constipated. Any water served before 6 months should be boiled and cooled before serving.
Hygiene is as important with cups as it is with bottles so, if you serve milk from a cup, all pieces should then be sterilised until your baby turns 1.

Ad

Read more...

Authors

Gemma CartwrightFormer Group Digital Editor

Gemma has two decades of experience in digital content. She is mum to a preschooler, and aunt to 4 children 5 and under. She is particularly passionate about sleep (for babies and parents) and loves testing out gadgets, technology and innovation in the parenting world.

Ad

Ad

Loading...

Ad

Loading...