Last updated on February 14th, 2025 at 03:22 pm
The BPA Free Sippy Cup cheat sheet was one of our very first cheat sheets. As we’ve all grown and learned more, the more we think it’s important to try and avoid plastic altogether when we can. Sure, there is BPA-free plastic, and that’s better. But plastic can still leach chemicals into fluids and foods, and using non-leaching materials, such as stainless steel, glass, ceramic, and bamboo is better. I decided it was time to move past plastic on SafeMama.com and show you there are a ton of great plastic-less options. Not everything on this list is completely plastic free, but the portion that comes in contact with your fluids is.
Hey Mama! Here’s the Scoop on Switching from Bottles to Cups
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:
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:
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! ?
Glass & Stainless Sippy Cups
I’ve used several of these brands, and with sippy cups, it really comes down to personal preference. For us, we primarily use 12oz Klean Kanteens (one with a sports cap and one with a sippy adapter). They seem to be the best for us. But I also love the Thermos Foogo Straw Bottles too and use one in my son’s lunchbox. Insulated vs. non-insulated is something you have to think about. Klein Kanteens are not (aside from their new insulated ones). I use these adorable Cocoozy’s for out and about, and they fit perfectly. Many neoprene sleeves and other jackets also fit both bottles and sippy’s.
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- Foogo Leak-Proof Straw Bottle (stainless)
- Safe Sippy 2 (stainless)
- Fuel Stainless Steel Sports Bottle
- Foogo Leak-Proof Sippy Cup (stainless)
- Thermos FUNtainers (stainless)
- ThinkSport 12oz Stainless Water Bottle
- Klean Kanteen 12 oz Sippy (comes with a sippy adapter or a sports cap) (stainless)
- Earthlust Insulated Baby Bottle & Sippy Cup (stainless)
- Pura Sippy Cups (stainless)
- Life Factory Bottles w/ sippy adaptor (glass)
- Safe Sporter Stainless Steel Bottle
- Sigg Kids Bottles (coated aluminum*)
- Camelbak Kids Stainless Steel water bottle
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Glass & Stainless Baby Bottle Brands
Of course, plastic bottle options are available on the market, and many are created with BPA-free plastic. Some companies I trust more than others, like ThinkBaby and BornFree, have been BPA-free intentionally from the get-go. These are great safer options too. My objective here is to highlight some alternatives to plastic for bottle feeding. Before anyone gets in a twist, I am a supporter of breastfeeding and think it’s an important choice. I am also, however, a supporter in allowing mothers to make the choices that are right for them, regardless of what I would do. Everyone has the right to mother their children as they see fit. I refuse to judge on this issue. So without further adieu…
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- OrganicKidz Stainless Baby Bottles (stainless)
- Pura Stainless Steel Baby Bottle (stainless)
- BornFree Glass Baby Bottles
- Dr. Browns Glass Baby Bottles
- Evenflo Glass Baby Bottles
- Green to Grow Glass Baby Bottles
- Silikids Glass Baby Bottles
- Life Factory Glass Baby Bottles
- Kidbasix Stainless Baby Bottles (stainless)
- Momo Glass Baby Bottles
- Nurture Pure Glass Baby Bottles
- Sweet Pea Glass Baby Bottles
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Adult Water Bottles and Drink Containers (ditch the plastic!!!)
Obviously, there are hundreds of stainless water bottles on the market, and most are fine… you can’t go wrong with stainless steel. This is a sampling of them and a few glass options.
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- Klean Kanteen (regular and insulated)
- Thermos Stainless Steel Hydration Bottles
- ThinkSport Stainless Steel Bottles
- Life Factory Glass Bottles
- Takeya Glass Water Bottles
- Tazzini Reusable Water Bottle
- EcoUsable Stainless Bottles
- Sigg Bottles (coated aluminum*)
- Pure Hydration stainless steel water bottle
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