the sippy cup

There are so many sippy cups out on the market these days that I wanted to offer a quick review of the ones we've tried, including the pros & cons of each! 

tommee tippee explora insulated straw cup | aladdin mason jar | playtex trainer [newer version here] | lollacup

We introduced a sippy cup to Olivia around 9 months. We weren't waiting for any particular time and one day, I just decided to try with what we hand on hand. She seemed interested around that time and we went from there. 

We started with the Lollacup, which is a modern cup with an innovative straw that has a weighted end that anchors in the liquid so children can drink even when the cup is tilted. Olivia took to it immediately. I gave her a lot of praise and encouragement when she first tried drinking from a straw and within a few days she was a pro. From there, I introduced the Playtex Trainer Cup. The version we have is now retired from most stores but a newer design is available. In all honesty, I prefer the ones we have and for that reason, haven't purchased a set of the newer design [though they're very similar]. Most people probably introduce the latter first, but for whatever reason I started with the Lolla. 

From there, I recently introduced the Tommee Tippee Explora Insulated Straw Cup, which I purchased from Target in a 2-pack. I didn't use any TT products other than their milk bibs during the first months of Olivia's life, but I'd heard a lot of great things about their bottles and cups. The TT is an insulated design and features a pop-up straw when the "cap" is opened. Olivia has taken a liking to these as well. Finally, the mason jar cup. Though this is 3+ it was so cute I couldn't pass it up. Since Olivia is great with a straw, she likes this, but it isn't one I let her sit with on her own since it isn't designed to be spill proof.

Tomme Tippee Explora Insulated Straw Cup // We use this a lot outside, on walks and in the backyard. Olivia can sip it herself and it doesn't spill at all. I love that I can fill it up and it lasts her awhile and it keeps her water nice and cool even in the hot sun.

PROS: 

Insulated

Holds 9 oz of liquid

Interchangeable lid with all TT straw cups

Truly spill-proof 

Easy flow technology for drinking

** My Top Pick **

CONS:

The "cap" is a bit difficult to unlatch but because it's spill proof, I don't need to close it each time. I simply open it for Olivia and leave it. But on her own, I don't think she could manage to lift the cap by herself to expose the straw.

Best for: On the go drinking for children 12+ months

Aladdin Mason Jar Cup // This is something V will drink from more as she gets older. I love the style and design and think it will be great as she gains control of her cups and no longer needs a spill proof one. 

PROS:

Adorable design

Lightweight

CONS: 

Not spill proof

3+ years

Best for: An older child who no longer needs a spill proof cup

Playtex 1st Sipster Cups // These are the same cups I always used when I nannied a few years ago and loved them. They are easy to clean, a good size to throw in the diaper bag and I love the handle design which makes it easy for a baby to hold on to them, especially when first learning to drink from something other than a bottle.

Original Version | New Version

PROS:

4+ months

7 oz

Easy to clean

Soft grip handles that are easy to hold and encourage independent drinking

Handles are attached to lid so they are always aligned with spout

** Dustin's Top Pick **

CONS:

Olivia tends to enjoy "dropping" her sippy cups and these can scuff/scratch easily. I've opened the car door a few times and they've fallen on the pavement and scuffed them up. But I suppose that's expected with most plastic cups.

Best for: The first sippy cup to introduce 

Lollacup // The most stylish & whimsical cup you may ever give your babe, this was a favorite from the start. It is a great way to introduce a straw and Olivia has so much fun drinking from it.

PROS:

Made in the USA

Weighted straw for effective drinking

Valve-free straw making it easy for even young children to sip

Removable handle to fit in almost any cup holder 

Straw replacement packs are sold individually at a low cost

Easy to clean

Creative and modern design

CONS:

Straws get easily "dyed" from food so I've had to designate one straw for meals and one straw for just water

Not 100% spill proof when cover is open since when tipped upside down, liquid can leak out straw but better than most

Best for: An older baby or young toddler 9+ months who doesn't necessarily need a spill-proof cup all the time or who knows how to open and close a lid to access the straw

Overall, I have been really happy with the ones we've tried so far. They have been inexpensive, effective and Olivia has done well with each one. As long as she likes it, I like it! I have my eye on a few others to try soon too, including the Boon Modster, the OXO Tot Training Cup & the ZoLi BOT Straw Cup. 

My favorite magazine, Real Simple, offers a summary of the Best Sippy Cups of 2014 here & the Playtex 1st Sipster is chosen as the Best Brand Overall | Babble.com offers a review on the Top 11 Sippy Cups here

I'd love to hear what your favorites have been & why!