10 Best Sippy Cups For Oral Development (Reviewed 2024)

The critical aspect of every child’s development is their speech. Are you looking for ways to transition from bottle-feeding and encouraging healthy oral and speech development?

According to experts, the type of sippy cup your child uses after bottle feeding can impact their language development. So, what are the best sippy cups for oral development? Let’s explore this topic with the help of professional advice.

With so many sippy cups on the market today, it can be hard to decide which one is best – but don’t worry! I have done extensive research and am here to share my picks for the top sippy cups.

Name	Image	Check Price
Brown’s Transition Sippy Cup with Soft Spout		Buy On Amazon
NUK Plastic Learner Cup		Buy On Amazon
Munchkin Gentle Transition Sippy Trainer Cup		Buy On Amazon
Chicco Transition Sippy Cup		Buy On Amazon
MAM Plastic Trainer Cup		Buy On Amazon
Munchkin® Miracle® 360 Trainer Sippy Cup with Handles		Buy On Amazon
Nuby 2 Piece No Spill Easy Grip Trainer Cup		Buy On Amazon
Re Play Toddler Cups		Buy On Amazon
OXO Tot Transitions Straw Cup		Buy On Amazon
Philips AVENT My Grippy Spout Sippy Cup		Buy On Amazon

Sippy cups and speech development in children

Learning to produce speech sounds is a critical achievement in a child’s growth and development. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) frequently suggest using weighted straw sippy cups or open cups to help children practice the abilities necessary for speech production. Such cups are indispensable for parents who have young children and want to minimize the amount of cleaning up they have to do due to spills and messes around the house.

What is a suckling reflex in babies?

When a baby is born, they instinctively suck on anything that goes into their mouth, such as breast milk. This reflex is not only crucial for feeding but also has a calming effect on the child. Sucking also plays a vital role in developing the tongue and jaw muscles, which are critical for the baby’s oral motor development.

As babies begin to eat solid foods and drink liquids from open cups, they gradually develop a mature swallow reflex, a complex motor skill that develops over time. To help your child transition from bottle feeding to drinking from cups, sippy cups can be a helpful tool when your baby reaches six months.

If you give your child a cup with a hard spout, you may unknowingly encourage an immature swallow pattern. Parents should instead choose a cup with a soft spout that is easy to suck on. Alternatively, I recommend introducing an open cup to your child in their first year. This can help them learn to drink from a cup instead of relying on sucking.

Why should I wean my baby off of the bottle?

Bottle drinking can negatively impact oral development. Prolonged use can cause tongue displacement, block tooth growth, and push the palate upward.

The prolonged use of a baby bottle after 12 months can cause immature swallowing patterns in infants, which hinders their ability to learn to drink independently.

Therefore, Parents should transition their children from sippy cups or bottle nipples to open or straw cups early on to promote the mature swallow pattern and prevent the tongue thrust pattern.

When to start sippy cup?

Transitioning to a sippy cup is an essential milestone in your baby’s development. Most pediatricians recommend introducing a sippy cup around 6-9 months when your baby can sit up and hold their head steady. 

However, every child is different, so it’s best to observe and consult your pediatrician to determine the right time for your little one. 

Some signs that indicate your baby may be ready for a sippy cup include:

• Showing interest in what you’re drinking, 
• Being able to hold objects and bring them to their mouth
• Being able to sit up without support.

How much water do babies need?

Just like adults, babies also need to stay properly hydrated. But how much water do they need? Well, it varies depending on their age. For the first six months, babies get all the hydration they need from breast milk or formula. 

When they start solids (around six months), a few sips of water can be introduced at mealtimes to aid digestion. By the time they’re a year old, babies should be drinking about 1-4 cups of water a day, along with their regular milk feeds. At this stage, sippy cups play a significant role in coordinating lips, tongue, and jaw movement. Ensure the water is safe for consumption – bottled, filtered, or boiled, and cooled water is best for babies. 

How do you choose the best sippy cup for oral development?

When choosing a sippy cup for your child, the most critical factor is the impact on their oral and speech development. Look for cups that are designed specifically for this purpose, with soft spouts that build strength and promote coordination of the tongue, lips, and jaw.

Avoid cups with hard spouts or straws, as they can hinder oral development and potentially lead to dental issues later on. Additionally, look for cups that are BPA-free and easy to clean. Remember always to supervise your child while using a sippy cup to ensure their safety.

What sippy cup is best to transition from bottle for a 1-year-old?

Transitioning from a bottle to a sippy cup can be a significant change for many babies. The Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Cup is widely recognized as one of the best options to facilitate this transition. Its innovative 360-degree design allows babies to drink from any edge of the cup, closely mimicking the natural drinking action from a glass and encouraging the development of mature oral muscles. 

How to make the transition from a bottle to a cup effortlessly?

• Step 1: Introduce the Cup: Start by introducing the sippy cup to your child non-threateningly. Let them play with it, explore it, and get used to it. Show them how to hold it and bring it to their mouth.
• Step 2: Use Familiar Fluids: Fill the cup with a fluid your child knows and enjoys, such as breast milk or formula. It will make the transition easier as they associate the cup with something they like.
• Step 3: Practice Together: Sit with your child during their mealtimes and use a cup yourself. It will encourage your child to mimic your behavior. Ensure to shower them with positive reinforcement when they use the cup correctly.
• Step 4: Gradually Decrease Bottle Use: Start phasing out the bottle by replacing one feeding session with the sippy cup. Gradually increase the number of times the cup is used and decrease the use of the bottle.
• Step 5: Be Patient: Remember, transitioning from a bottle to a cup is a big step for your child. Expect some resistance and be prepared for some mess. Be patient, and celebrate small victories along the way.
• Step 6: Consult Your Pediatrician: Throughout this transition, communicate with your pediatrician, raising any concerns. They will provide guidance and reassurance tailored to your child’s specific needs.

10 Top picks for best Sippy cups for oral development

BEST SIPPY CUPS FOR BABIES 6 MONTHS+

Parents must introduce the best soft spout sippy cups for their 6-month-old babies. As their teeth emerge and the gums get sore, these cups filled with water can be a gentle start to keep them hydrated. 

Brown’s Transition Sippy Cup with Soft Spout (Best sippy cup for oral development)

Dr. Brown’s Transition Sippy Cup is an excellent tool for facilitating your baby’s transition from a bottle to a cup. This cup incorporates a unique soft silicone spout that is gentle on your child’s tender gums and emerging teeth, thus encouraging oral development. It’s BPA-free, indicating it’s a safe choice for your infant.

Having used Dr. Brown’s Transition Sippy Cup for my child, I can attest to its effectiveness during weaning off the bottle. The soft spout was gentle on my baby’s gums, and the grip handles allowed for easy maneuverability and greater control, even with their tiny hands. 

A notable feature of this best sippy cup for transition is its spill-proof design, which is especially beneficial for toddlers learning to drink independently. It saves you from many potential messes. 

Furthermore, I noticed my child had no difficulty adapting to it, likely due to the cup’s innovative design miming a bottle’s feel. Cleaning this best sippy for speech development was also a breeze, with no hidden crevices for mold to grow. Overall, this product made the transition phase smoother for my child and me.

NUK Plastic Learner Cup (Best beginner sippy cup)

The NUK Plastic Learner Cup is a product I’ve found very effective for my child, who is about seven months old and has started oral motor development. The soft spout closely resembles a bottle’s nipple, making it more familiar to infants and thus encouraging them to take sips. 

The anti-slip handles are easy to hold, promoting a sense of independence in my child as they learn to drink independently. The cup is also BPA-free, providing peace of mind about my child’s safety.

The Nuk transition sippy cup is designed with an air vent that helps reduce the amount of air the baby swallows, which is a significant advantage as it can help prevent colic. 

In summary, the NUK transition sippy Cup is a reliable choice for parents to stop prolonged bottle use and speech development. But, it requires careful assembly and cleaning.

Munchkin Gentle Transition Sippy Trainer Cup (Best sippy cup for oral aversion)

The Munchkin Gentle Transition Sippy Trainer Cup has been a worthwhile addition to my child’s transition from bottle to cup. The design of the cup is such that it mimics a bottle, making it comfortable and easy for my child to adapt. 

The cup’s spout is ultra-flexible, which makes it gentle on my child’s emerging teeth. Including the removable handles was beneficial as it catered to my child’s developing motor skills and could be detached when my child felt confident to hold the cup without them.

A significant advantage of this best sippy cup to transition from a bottle is that it is BPA-free, giving me confidence in its safety for my child. Despite its many parts, the cup is dishwasher safe and easy to clean. The only downside is that the cup can leak if it falls over, which can be messy.

In conclusion, the Munchkin Gentle Transition Sippy Trainer Cup is a good option for transitioning their children from bottle to cup, although some care is needed to avoid spills.

Chicco Transition Sippy Cup (Best sippy cup to transition from a bottle)

The Chicco 7oz. Transition Sippy Cup has proved to be a reliable option for my child’s transition from bottle to cup. This product is specifically designed to be spill-free, a feature that has significantly reduced mess during mealtimes. The silicone spout is soft and gentle, which is excellent for my baby’s sensitive gums and emerging teeth. The cup has easy-to-hold handles, encouraging independence and building my child’s confidence during their drinking adventures.

However, while this no spill sippy cup is excellent for preventing mess, it also makes the cup a bit hard for a child to drink from as they need to suck harder. Some parents may find this a minor inconvenience. The cup also has multiple parts, which can make cleaning a bit of a hassle, though it is dishwasher safe.

In summary, the Chicco 7oz. Transition Sippy Cup is an excellent option for transitioning their child from a bottle to a cup, with the spill-free design being a standout feature. However, parents should be prepared to put more effort into cleaning.

MAM Plastic Trainer Cup (Best cups for weaning off bottle)

The MAM Plastic Trainer Cup is a must-have product for parents with infants transitioning from bottle feeding to drinking independently. This best sippy cup for 6 month old is specifically designed for girls and, with an 8oz size, is perfect for small hands, and the non-slip handles encourage the child’s self-feeding skills, allowing for an easier transition. 

It is the best sippy cup for oral motor development as it features an extra-soft spill-free nipple that is gentle on the baby’s gums and teeth, making it a comfortable experience for them.

One unique feature of the MAM Plastic Trainer Cup is its wide openings, allowing easy filling and cleaning. The cup also has a versatile design that can adapt to meet your child’s developmental stages by replacing the spout with MAM’s fast flow bottle nipple. 

BEST SIPPY CUPS 9 MONTHS+

Munchkin® Miracle® 360 Trainer Sippy Cup with Handles (Best sippy cup for transition)

The Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Sippy Cup is a remarkable choice for the best sippy cups for speech development in 9-month-old babies. The unique 360-degree drinking edge eliminates spills, which means children can drink from any side of the no spill sippy cup.

If your 2 year old can’t drink from an open cup, you can try this design with two handles. It is easy to grip, thus encouraging self-feeding, a mature swallow pattern, and promoting fine motor skills.

A significant advantage of this best sippy cup for transition is its valve system that seals automatically when the child stops drinking. This design not only helps keep the cup clean but also teaches the child how to sip, not suck. 

However, it may take some time for a child to adapt to its unique drinking mechanism. Also, while this no drip sippy cup is dishwasher safe, the valve must be cleaned manually to maintain its effectiveness, which can be cumbersome.

In conclusion, these best spill proof cups for toddlers from Munchkin are thoughtful innovation that makes transitioning to a cup easier for both the child and the parents. Despite the learning curve and the cleaning needed for the valve, its spill-proof feature and ergonomic design make it a worthy consideration.

Nuby 2 Piece No Spill Easy Grip Trainer Cup (Best sippy cup for tongue tie)

The Nuby No Spill Easy Grip Trainer Cup is a practical and efficient solution for transitioning toddlers with tongue ties from feeding bottles to cups. It comes in two cups, each with a capacity of 10 oz, and features an easy-grip design ideal for little hands. The best slow flow sippy cup is designed with a soft silicone spout that replicates the bottle-drinking experience, thus making the transition easier for tongue-tie babies. 

Like other best spill proof cups for toddlers, which significantly reduces the chances of any liquid leaking from the cup, it has integrated Nuby’s patented Touch-Flo valve that only allows fluid to flow when the child applies pressure to the spout, promoting mess-free mealtimes. 

In conclusion, the Nuby 2 Piece No Spill Easy Grip Trainer Cup, with its innovative design and safety features, is valuable for oral motor development and during the transition from bottle to cup. While it does have a minor drawback in terms of the pressure needed and the spout’s durability, its pros far outweigh the cons, making it a product worth considering.

Re Play Toddler Cups ( Best toddler smoothie cup)

The Re Play Cups for Toddlers is an eco-friendly solution that combines functionality and sustainability. These cups, coming in a pack of three, are made from recycled milk jugs, thereby promoting environmental consciousness. The best cups for 5 year olds are sturdy, with a spill-proof straw design that reduces the chances of messy spills, making them suitable for on-the-go use.

One of its notable features is the ease of cleaning – the cups, straws, and lids are all dishwasher-safe. Furthermore, they are microwave-safe and BPA-free, ensuring the safety of your child.

In summary, the Re Play best cups for toddlers are a worthy investment for their eco-friendly nature and practical design. While there may be minor inconveniences with the straw design, its benefits certainly make it a valuable addition to your toddler’s mealtime accessories.

BEST STRAW SIPPY CUPS

OXO Tot Transitions Straw Cup (Speech therapist recommended sippy cup)

The OXO Tot Transitions sippy cup with Straw is a versatile and user-friendly product designed to make the transition from a bottle to a cup smoother for toddlers. This cup has a 6oz capacity and comes with easily removable handles, providing the child with the option to use the handles or hold the cup directly as they grow, and their gripping abilities improve. 

This best toddler smoothie cup features a hinged cap that closes to create a leak-proof seal and is also removable for thorough cleaning. One of the stand-out attributes of this straw cup is its patented almond-shaped straw that conforms to the child’s mouth and minimizes spillage by effectively sealing off when not in use. 

Not to mention, the straw is translucent and ‘off-the-bottom’ designed, allowing toddlers to enjoy what they are drinking. The oxo tot sippy cup is BPA, phthalate, and PVC free, ensuring it’s safe for your child’s use. It’s also dishwasher safe, which provides convenience for cleaning.

Philips AVENT My Grippy Spout Sippy Cup 

The Philips AVENT Sippy Cup is excellent for babies above nine months. It promotes healthy oral development for transitioning from bottle to cup. The soft spout is gentle on the gums and made of flexible material that supports language development. It’s designed to be bite-resistant, providing durability without compromising on oral care.

This Best sippy cup for 2 year old features a unique leak-proof valve that ensures no spills, even when the cup is tipped over, making it ideal for active toddlers. The valve design also provides controlled flow so babies can drink at their own pace, promoting self-feeding and independence.

The Philips AVENT sippy cup holds up to 10oz of liquid and is made of BPA-free material, ensuring it’s safe for your child. The cup is also dishwasher safe, adding convenience for parents.

Conclusion: Best sippy cups for speech development

Ultimately, the right sippy cup for your child will depend on age range, features, ergonomics, and budget. However, with different models on the market specifically designed to encourage healthy speech development, finding a cup that meets your needs has always been challenging! 

I hope the above list of my top picks for Best sippy cups for oral development for toddlers is beneficial for you to select as per your baby’s needs.