Here’s the Scoop on Switching from Bottles to Cups – the best transitional open cups and straw cups for babies at 6+ months
Quick Guide
Starting around 6 months, it’s time to think about introducing cups! Pediatricians recommend both straw cups and regular open cups, with the goal of being totally done with bottles by 18 months. Let me share my favorite products and tips!
Best Straw Cups for Your Baby
When shopping for straw cups, here’s what worked for us:
- Look for weighted bottoms to prevent tipping
- Food-grade silicone straws are gentler on gums
- Make sure it’s easy to clean (trust me on this!)
Top picks for straw cups:
Olababy Silicone Training Cup with Straw Lid | Babies Water Drinking Cup | 6+ Mo Infant To 12-18 Months Toddler | Sippy Cup For Kids & Smoothie Cup | Baby Led Weaning (Mint, 5 oz)
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Legendairy Milk Honey Bear Straw Cup Silicone for Babies (Pink), 8 oz. Dishwasher Safe Baby Straw Cup, Food Grade Silicone, Honeybear Sippy Cup for Ages 4+ Months, Trainer Straw Cup for Toddlers 1-3
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mushie 100% Silicone Training Cup & Straw for Toddlers | 6 Months+ (Soft Lilac)
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WeeSprout Silicone Baby Cups With Straws and Lids, 4 & 8 oz Options, Set of 2, Food Grade Toddler Training Container, Built In Straw Stoppers, Measurement Markings, Dishwasher Safe + Straw Cleaner
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Best Open Cups for Your Baby
For open cups, you’ll want:
- Small size perfect for tiny hands
- Food-grade silicone material that won’t break
- Curved rim that’s gentle on teeth
Must-try open cups:
Safe Mama Faves
ezpz Tiny Cup (Gray) - 100% Silicone Training Cup for Infants - 4 months + - Designed by a Pediatric Feeding Specialist - Baby-led Weaning Essentials & Baby Gifts
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NumNum Cup for Ages 4+ months - 2oz Non-Slip & Easy To Grip Training Cups, Perfect for Drinking & Self Feeding Skills, 1 Cup, Clear
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Olababy First Cup | Clear Sense 100% Silicone Infant Trainer Cup | 2oz Medicine Cup for Newborn | Non-Slip & Sloping Design for Tiny Hands & Baby Led Weaning (Blueberry, 1 Cup)
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Munchkin® C est Silicone! Open Training Cup for Babies and Toddlers 4 Months+, 2 Ounce, Mint
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Why Food-Grade Silicone Is Worth It
These cups are amazing because:
- Super gentle on teeth and gums
- Basically indestructible
- No nasty chemicals
- Dishwasher safe (hallelujah!)
- Great for hot or cold drinks
- Easy for tiny hands to grip
Benefits For Your Baby
- Straw cups help develop speech muscles and proper tongue position
- Open cups teach real-life drinking skills and are better for teeth
- Both options boost independence and confidence
Making It Work
- Start with just a little water
- Practice at mealtimes
- Expect spills (seriously, embrace the mess!)
- Let them watch you use a cup
Remember: Every baby moves at their own pace, and that’s totally okay! Keep offering opportunities to practice, and celebrate those small wins. You’ve got this, mama! ?