Finding the best sippy cup for your child can turn into a quest. So many brands are available---all with varying designs, colors and features---that it can be difficult to pick one out. When you finally do purchase one, you may find that your baby simply won't take to it or that the cup isn't leak-proof. One key feature to look for in all sippy cups is material that is free of Bisphenol-A (BPA). BPA has been associated with causing health problems in animals, and small amounts can leech from the plastic sippy cup into the liquid it contains.
TILTY Cup
This innovative patent-pending design differs from most sippy cups as the liquid in the 7-oz. cup is kept at an angle so your baby doesn't have to tilt her head back to drink, making it easier for her to reach the liquid. The design is simple and features a lip that can be snapped on with no valve to suck on, which is better for a baby's dental development, according to the American Dental Association. The cup is also free of DYE, PVC and BPA.
The Safe Sippy
One of the best features of the Safe Sippy 11-oz. cup is its funky design and colors. Made of stainless steel to keep liquids cool for longer periods of time, it is covered by a colorful rubber sleeve to prevent the cup from getting too cold for babies to touch. It features a leak-proof valve that is easy to disassemble and clean; a double handle makes it easier for babies to grip and can also be removed for older children.
Playtex Insulator
The Playtex Insulator is available in a 6-oz. and 9-oz. cup and features brightly colored characters on the outside. Despite being an insulated cup, it is relatively light making it easy for toddlers to handle. It features a hard spout that will prevent chewing of the top and make the cup last longer.
Nalgene Grip-n-Gulp Bottle
The Nalgene Grip-n-Gulp Bottle is a tall, cylindrical 12-oz. cup available in different shades of green. One of its best features is that it is completely leak-proof thanks to a rubber valve, which can be removed for cleaning. Its thin handle-free design means it can easily fit into the side pocket of a bag or a stroller cup holder. The cup is transparent, allowing you to see how much liquid it contains.
Phillips Avent Insulated Cup
The Phillips Avent Insulated Cup is leak-proof due to its flip-top cap, and it has a soft-tipped spout for sipping. It has two layers of plastic in which a layer of air is trapped to keep liquids cool for longer. The outside of the cup is brightly animated.
Munchkin Cupsicle
The Munchkin 10-oz. insulated cup is brightly colored and features a leak-proof silicone valve. After placing the cup in the freezer, any liquids added to it will remain cool for a substantial amount of time. The cup is also extremely durable---not scratching or denting easily.
