Image: MomJunction Design Team
When children grow up, they tend to do many things by themselves. One includes trying to drink independently. As a parent, buying the best sippy cup for 6-month-olds would be the best option. They feature anti-slip handles for the little ones to hold them comfortably in their hands. While selecting a sippy cup for babies, consider the age and baby’s preference for an easy transition. To help you with that, check out the list of leak-proof sippy cups made from baby-safe materials.
Top Picks
Types Of Sippy Cups
There are four types of sippy cups:
- Hard spout: Hard spout sippy cups are a little rigid, putting downward pressure on the tongue.
- Soft spout: Soft spout cups for infants are suitable for oral and speech development and are safer than other options.
- Straw: Straw-type cups are easy to use and help in oral motor skill development and quick transition as they resemble nipples.
- Flat lid: Flat lid sippy cups, also called 360 cups, allow the baby to drink from all sides, helping lower lip positioning.
11 Best Sippy Cups For Six-Month-Olds
1. Best Firm-Grip Handles: Mama Bear Weighted Straw Sippy Cup
Mama Bear two-pack cups are designed for babies to help them transition from the bottle to the cup. You can detach each part of the sippy cup for easy cleaning. It’s flexible and has a weighted straw spout for effortless sipping, making it one of the best sippy cups for 6-month-olds. You may check more about this sippy cup from this video that showcases a reviewer’s experience.
Pros
- Safety-tested
- Firm-grip handles
- BPA-free
- Portable and spill-proof
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- May have a plastic odor
- May leak
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 9,793 Amazon shoppers have left good reviews about this product, citing its quality features and benefits.
2. Best Leak-Proof & Durable: Philips Avent Natural Trainer Sippy Cup
If you are looking for a natural bottle feel with a soft nipple from a time-tested brand, this sippy cup for babies can be a good option. Its soft-touch handles provide a comfortable grip for the little hands, and the fast-flow bottle nipple with the soft silicone spout helps the baby drink independently. The cup’s protective cap can keep the dust away to maintain the baby’s health and hygiene. These sippy cups are made of polypropylene and silicone, making them safe to use. Learn about how to use the sippy cup correctly through the detailed review in this video.
Pros
- Suitable for babies above four months
- Leak-proof and durable
- Dishwasher-safe sippy cup
- Easy to clean
- BPA-free
Cons
- Nipple size may be inappropriate
- May have an irregular shape
"I've been using this sippy cup for my child, and it has helped with the transition. The silicone wrappings around the handles offer a good grip for small hands. Also, the fact that the bottle works with other Avent items is convenient for me."
Quick tipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The whopping 6,791 positive reviews on Amazon reflect the superior quality of this product.
3. Best For Oral Development: Nuby Two-Handle No-Spill Super Spout Grip N’ Sip Cups
Nuby sippy cups for babies have a baby-friendly design with a soft flex spout to make the transition from bottle-feeding to independent drinking easy. Its no-spill spout is designed to prevent dripping while drinking, and the one-piece Touch-Flo valve opens so that the liquid passes while sipping. The nipples can be used as teething nubs to help stimulate the baby’s gums. One of the best sippy cups for 6-month-olds, it has durable handles to fit in little hands and ensure proper grip and the baby-safe design helps improve drinking skills. Have a look at the in-depth review in this video for more insights into the sippy cup.
Pros
- Helps strengthen oral health
- BPA-free
- Pack of two
- Fun colors
- Easy-to-clean and ultra-hygienic cups
Cons
- Spout of the cup could be hard to fit
- May spill
"I like that this sippy cup is robust and simple to maintain. Though my daughter did not accept it immediately, its general functionality helped her learn to drink by herself. I'm happy with the material; they withstand rough use well."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 5,948 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
Mama Bear Weighted Straw Sippy Cup Best Firm-Grip Handles | Philips Avent Natural Trainer Sippy Cup Best Leak-Proof & Durable | Nuby Two-Handle No-Spill Super Spout Grip N’ Sip Cups Best For Oral Development | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8 ounces | 0.24 Pounds | 0.35 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 5.7"W x 3.4"H | 4.92"W x 7.2"H | 4.8"W x 4.3"H |
| Shape | Round | Round | Round |
| Color | Blue/Green | Clear | Pink and Purple |
| Material | Silicone | Polypropylene & Silicone | Plastic |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 9,793 | 6,791 | 5,948 |
| Price | $13.01 | $8.99 | $9.6 |
4. Best For Ventilation: Nuk Large Learner Sippy Cup
This variant should be on your must-buy list if you’re looking for large sippy cups. The Nuk ten-ounce cup ensures your child’s safety as it is made of BPA-free plastic material, and its soft spout is spill-proof and gentle on gums. The handles are anti-slip and easy to hold.
Pros
- Assorted designs
- Rack dishwasher-safe and easy to clean
- Air vent helps reduce swallowing the air
- Removable handles
- Easy to hold cups for babies
Cons
- Nipples may not be durable
- Might be challenging to sip
"This learner cup suits my toddler because of its soft spout and simple design. It is comfortably sized and has removable handles that can be detached for easy use and cleaning. Also, the air vents are a nice feature, ensuring my child has a comfortable feeding experience."
Do remember5. Best Lightweight: Munchkin Miracle Stainless Steel 360 Sippy Cup
The Munchkin sippy cup is a trusted choice for babies. This stainless steel bottle features a double-wall design to help keep the liquid cool for 15 hours. Its on-the-go cup lid is easy to clean and dishwasher-safe. Made of BPA-free plastic material, the cup help transition easily as the kid can sip from anywhere around the rim.
Pros
- Helps in muscle development in the mouth
- Available in four color options
- Durable material
- Lightweight sippy cup
- Automatic seal helps reduce spilling and drips
- Helps promote kid’s dental development
Cons
- Sippy cup may slip off easily
"Having used this cup for a while, I can vouch for its durability and spill-proof design. It's easy to clean, but the lid is sometimes difficult to open. I like that it's made of stainless steel, which makes it safe for my child, and it's insulated, so the drink stays at the right temperature."
6. Best For Easy Cleaning: Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature First Sips Transition Cup
With a five-ounce capacity, the cup’s silicone spout helps the baby sip easily while learning to drink independently. The tiny handles motivate kids to hold their sippy cups and are detachable for easy cleaning. These mommy-approved sippy cups are dishwasher-and sterilizer-safe.
Pros
- Lightweight
- BPA-free plastic sippy cups
- Soft spout is gentle on gums
- Suitable for the age of four months and above
Cons
- May not be durable
- May not be completely leak-proof
7. Best For Easy Transition: Chicco Semi-Soft Spout Spill-Free Baby Trainer Sippy Cup
Chicco, a tried-and-tested brand, offers these sippy cups that are ideal for little hands as they come with fun designs and ergonomic grooves. These sippy cups have five spouts and three cups that you can use interchangeably according to your baby’s development. The satin-textured silicone spout helps in the easy transition from nipples to spout. Trusted by moms, it is undoubtedly one of the best sippy cups for children aged six months.
Pros
- Helps improve lower lip positioning
- Free of BPA, latex, and PVC
- Dishwasher-safe
- Removable handle
Cons
- May be difficult to sip
- May not be leak-proof, and liquids flow too fast
"These sippy cups are pretty reliable with their removable inner seal and spill-proof design. I find them practical during meals and when traveling for their user-friendly design. Plus, I'm glad they are dishwasher-safe, so I don't have to spend much time cleaning and drying them."
8. Best With Wide Mouth:Mushie Silicone Baby Sippy Cup
The 100% food-grade silicone sippy cup for babies by Mushie provides an easy latch and soothes the baby’s gums and has a leak-proof lid and a wide mouth for easy refilling. The Mushie sippy cup measures 2.76 x 2.76 x 6.3 inches and has a six-ounce capacity. It is a safe and effective way for babies to transition from bottle to cup and become more independent.
Pros
- BPA-, PVC-, and phthalate-free
- Dishwasher- and microwave-safe
- Reccomended for babies aged six months and above
- Helps in developing sensory and fine motor skills
Cons
- May not have handles
- Lid may pop up if the cup is squeezed
"This sippy cup has been my son's favorite because of its attractive colors. Though it's not completely leak-proof, its sleek design and compact size make it practical. Although it's suitable for dinner time, traveling with it can be messy."
9. Best High-Temperature Resistance: Potato Sippy Cups For Toddlers
Potato sippy cups are made of PPSU, which is tough and doesn’t deform. The weighted ball at the end of the straw helps adjust the position and allows the baby to drink easily in any position. The anti-slip handles are ideal for little hands and are detachable. This sippy cup with straw includes two-scale indications to measure the liquid, and the cartoon stickers on the lid make the kids excited and happy.
Pros
- Easy to clean sippy cup
- High-temperature resistance of up to 356°F
- Can be sterilized
- Comes with a temporary storage tank
Cons
- Straw may keep falling off the cup
- May not be completely leak-proof
"Switching from nursing to bottle-feeding was tricky initially, but this sippy cup proved effective. My son loves it; it's durable and easy to maintain. But with time, the nipple tends to accumulate milk residue, necessitating replacements. Still, it has been a great find!"
10. Best Non-Toxic: Sprout Ware Plant-Plastic Sip & Straw Cup
Made from premium plant-based, biodegradable, non-toxic material, the Sprout Ware sippy cup for babies is an eco-friendly choice that prevents chemical leaching. This lightweight and expert-approved sippy cup keeps liquids cool for an extended period. In addition, it is designed to ensure the liquid flows only when pressure is applied by the toddler.
Pros
- Easy to clean and dishwasher-safe
- Durable
- Beautiful design
- Non-toxic sippy cup
- Comes with sip and straw options
- Soft spout sippy cup allows natural and free flow
Cons
- Cannot be placed in a bottle warmer
- Chewing up on the silicone spout may cause leakage
11. Best Bite-Resistant Spout: Avima Baby Trainer Sippy Cups
Avima two-pack sippy cups include one extra medium-flow silicone nipple. These sippy cups ensure high safety standards, are made of polypropylene and are free of BPA, phthalate, PVC, and polycarbonate. This mom-approved cup has easy-grip handles that are rubberized, making them ideal self-feeding cups for babies, and the cups also have interchangeable silicone nipples and spouts. The leak-proof valve and duo-flow nipple allow easy transition from bottle to cup.
Pros
- 100% spill-proof
- Bite-resistant hard spout
- Can hold up to nine ounces of liquid
- Easy to clean
Cons
- May not be durable
- Silicone nipples may be flimsy
"What I like about this sippy cup set is its nipple options, which meet my child's needs. These bottles are easy to clean but don't have measuring marks, which is a letdown. However, the size is pretty apt for small hands, and the handles are easy to grip."
How To Choose The Right Sippy Cup For Six-Month-Olds?
Here are a few features to look for before buying sippy cups for a six-month-old.
- Spill-free: Sippy cups shouldn’t leak or spill out while the baby is sipping. Consider leak-proof cups for six month olds to prevent leakage and dripping.
- Free of harmful materials: Sippy cups should be made of rigorously-tested baby-friendly materials that are free of BPA and latex. You can also opt for cups made of soft silicone or without a plastic odor and other harmful chemicals.
- Ease of cleaning: A few sippy cups come with detachable handles for easy cleaning, and each part of the sippy cup can be cleaned separately. It is a good choice to select sippy cups that are dishwasher-safe and can be sterilized.
- Size of handles: The right handle size ensures proper grip while sipping, and they should be anti-slippery for easy sipping.
- Ease of use: Sippy cups shouldn’t be tricky to use, helping to make the transition easy for the baby to drink independently. Sippy cups with durable and soft straws are easy to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I put in a sippy cup?
You can fill sippy cups with breast milk or any formula that helps with the baby’s growth. Once the baby reaches six months, you can fill the sippy cup with juices and water.
2. Are there any dangers of using sippy cups?
Although sippy cups help babies transition from bottle to cup feeding, it’s not a good idea to use them for too long. Ideally, you should use sippy cups until the baby is 24 months because continuous usage can inhibit oral development and cause dental cavities.
3. Can a six-month-old baby use a sippy cup?
Yes, if your baby can sit with good neck control, you can introduce sippy cups. However, note that your infant may or may not be able to hold the cup and use it from the beginning. Some babies may adapt to sippy cups sooner, while others may take time.
4. Should I choose a sippy cup with a hard or soft spout?
Experts recommend using sippy cups with hard spouts or straws rather than soft spouts (1).
5. Is a straw better than a sippy cup?
No, sippy cups are better than straws for babies aged around six months. It helps transition from bottle or breastfeeding to straw cups or cups.
6. Can I put formula milk in a sippy cup?
Yes, you can. Fill the sippy cup with breast milk or formula milk, or juices when you are trying to introduce solids. In addition, you can also add water to the sippy cups during meals and give it to them.
7. Is a sippy cup better than a bottle?
Yes, bottles can increase your child’s chances of experiencing tooth decay because the sugar stays longer on teeth by sucking. It can also result in cavities. Furthermore, a sippy cup can help your child transition from breastfeeding to cup feeding more quickly.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navarathna is a skilled writer with extensive experience in writing about baby products. She has curated a list of the best sippy cups for 6-month-olds available in the market using her research-driven approach to present the best available options for you. Her knowledge and attention to detail can help you gain all the information required to make the right choice. She has also considered user feedback and unbiased reviews posted on various websites to curate this list and to ensure high quality.
The Bottom Line
Sippy cups allow six-month-olds to drink water, breastmilk, or formula milk independently. They are sometimes recommended for a smooth transition from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding. These cups are of different types—hard spout, soft spout, straw, and flat lid—and you may choose one depending on your baby’s needs. We recommend getting the Mama Bear Weighted Cup, which comes with a removable stray, or the Philips Avent Natural Trainer Sippy Cup, featuring a fast-flow nipple. The Nuby No-Spill Super Spout Grip N’ Sip Cups could also be a good pick as they have handles. However, before handing one to your baby, ensure it is made of safe materials. Moreover, ensure the sippy cup is spill-proof, easy to clean, and comes in bright colors and prints to attract your baby.
Infographic: Why Choose Sippy Cups For Six-Month-Olds?
Sippy cups can be a good way to give your baby a bit of independence and a way to self-soothe. Give this infographic a read to know how you can make the process of switching from baby bottles to cups easy. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Stopping the bottle
https://kidshealth.org/CookChildrens/en/parents/no-bottles.html
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