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Choosing the right sippy cup is more than a small decision — it's part of your child’s daily routine, feeding development, and sometimes your peace of mind. A well-designed cup helps babies learn to drink independently, reduces spills, and protects teeth and digestion during the crucial transition from bottle to cup. Think of a sippy cup as training wheels for drinking: it supports, stabilises and eventually comes off when your child is ready.
When shopping in the UK, certain stores and specialist retailers stand out for their range and quality. From family-friendly brands like Tommee Tippee, Nuby and Dr Brown’s to design-led options at Nordic Nest, the choices are broad. Retailers such as Ebebek offer popular multi-packs and starter cups, while sites across the UK — including John Lewis, Boots, Argos and Amazon — stock a wide variety, often with user reviews to help you decide.
Ebebek is known for carrying parent-favourite names and practical multi-packs that suit busy families. If you’re browsing their selection, you’ll find colorful, leak-resistant picks like the Nuby Super Quench set and trainer cups from MAM. These are ideal if you want an inexpensive backup cup for the car or nursery.
The Nuby Super Quench comes in a two-pack, which is great if you want one for home and one for outings. Each cup is designed with spill-control features and easy-grip sides. At roughly 10.1 fl oz per cup, it fits a toddler’s needs without being too heavy for little hands.
MAM’s Trainer Cup doubles as a soft-spout cup and a regular trainer, so it grows with your child. It’s often available in muted blues and pinks. The 7.4 fl oz capacity hits that sweet spot for toddlers who are moving away from frequent small feedings toward slightly larger sips between meals.
If design and minimalist style matter to you, Nordic Nest brings Scandinavian sensibility to baby feeding. Their Elvie silicone sippy cups and other stylish options like Done By Deer’s snack cup blend function with aesthetics — perfect for families who want a cup that looks as good on the high chair as on the kitchen shelf.
The Elvie Silicone Sippy Cup is soft, bite-resistant and easy to carry. With a capacity of roughly 6.1 fl oz, it’s crafted for small hands and to reduce wastage. The silicone material is gentle on emerging teeth and is often dishwasher-safe, making cleanup straightforward.
For snack times that double as training for independence, Done By Deer’s peekaboo snack cup is a popular Nordic Nest option. At about 5.4 fl oz, it’s intended for small portions and encourages self-feeding while preventing spills when the cup tips over.
Not every sippy cup is created equal. Some are straw-based, others have 360-degree rims, and some feature traditional spouts. Your choice should reflect your baby’s age, coordination and feeding goals. Let’s break down the most common types and why you might pick each one.
Soft-spout trainer cups mimic a bottle teat’s feel and help babies who are used to bottles transition smoothly. These often come with handles, are lightweight and hold around 4.2 fl oz to 7.4 fl oz — perfect for younger toddlers. They’re gentle on the gums and easier to control.
Straw cups encourage the suck-and-pull pattern that supports oral motor development and are excellent for older babies who are ready for more coordination. Insulated straw cups, like some models from Tommee Tippee, come in about 9.0 fl oz sizes and are handy for keeping drinks cool on warm days.
A 360-degree cup is spill-resistant and lets kids drink from any side of the rim. Dr Brown’s Milestones Cheers 360 cup is a good example and often comes in a 10.1 fl oz size — great for toddlers at meal times, and perfect for teaching the open-cup technique with less mess.
Materials affect durability, safety and sustainability. Silicone is soft and flexible; BPA-free plastic is lightweight and often more affordable; stainless steel is durable and can be insulated to keep liquids cool.
Silicone cups, like many Elvie models, feel gentle on teeth and are less likely to crack or shatter. They’re often dishwasher-safe and easy to squeeze for small hands learning to tip and sip.
High-quality BPA-free plastic cups are common for everyday use. Brands such as Nuk and Nuby offer durable plastic options in playful designs. These are good for travel and daycare because they’re light and replaceable without breaking the bank.
For parents thinking long-term and looking to reduce waste, stainless steel cups are a smart pick. They can keep drinks cool and survive rougher handling. Just remember that many are heavier, so choose an age-appropriate size — typically under 10 fl oz for smaller children.
Matching capacity and features to age saves frustration. Babies 6 months and older usually benefit from small trainer cups of about 4.2 fl oz. Toddlers 9–12 months may graduate to 6–10 fl oz straw or 360 cups, depending on how quickly they develop coordination.
Start with soft-spout or small straw cups around 4.2 fl oz to 6.1 fl oz. Look for handles and detachable lids to make cleaning and use straightforward.
Move up to 6.1 fl oz to 10.1 fl oz cups with spill-resistant features. This is the time to introduce 360-degree rims or insulated straw cups for more independence and outdoor play.
Hygiene matters. Regular cleaning prevents mold and bacteria buildup in valves and spouts, which is a common issue when cups are used daily. Disassemble parts after each use and wash according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and replace any worn seals or spouts to keep the cup working effectively.
Rinse after use and wash with hot, soapy water or a dishwasher if the product is marked dishwasher-safe. Pay attention to crevices around valves and the base of the spout where residue can hide.
Once a week, soak removable parts in a mild white vinegar solution to remove mineral deposits if you live in a hard-water area. Rinse thoroughly and air-dry before reassembling.
Always check product labels for age recommendations and ensure cups are free from BPA and harmful chemicals. Inspect cups regularly for cracks or damage. If a cup becomes compromised, replace it — inexpensive cups are easier to swap out than risking a leak or ingestion of degraded materials.
Avoid cups with tiny detachable parts that could be choking hazards and steer clear of heated bottles or cups with metallic paint that could flake. Also, be cautious with secondhand cups unless you’re sure they’re still in good condition and thoroughly sterilised.
You don’t always need the most expensive cup. Consider buying a higher-quality cup for daily home use and inexpensive multiples for the car, nursery and grandparents. Multi-packs from brands like Nuby offer excellent value, while boutique picks from Nordic Nest serve families who want design and durability combined.
Invest in an insulated straw or stainless-steel option if you travel frequently or have a highly active toddler who needs a robust, leak-proof solution. If you’re experimenting, cheaper trial cups will help you learn your child’s preferences before splashing out.
For eco-minded parents, there are several sustainable paths: buy long-lasting stainless steel, choose silicone that lasts longer than thin plastics, or select cups from brands that use recycled materials. Reusability and durability reduce landfill waste, and many sustainable cups are priced competitively when you account for their lifespan.
When a cup reaches the end of its life, check local recycling guidance. Some silicone and mixed-material cups can be tricky to recycle, so prioritise durability to maximise use before disposal.
Before you click “buy,” run through a short checklist: Is it appropriate for your child’s age? Is the material safe and easy to clean? Does it have the features your child needs (handles, straw, 360 rim)? Is the capacity suitable — not too big and not too small? And finally, does it fit your lifestyle and budget?
Choose a size under about 10 fl oz for toddlers, prefer BPA-free materials, check dishwasher compatibility, and consider one well-made cup plus cheaper backups. Look for trusted brands and read recent user reviews for real-world feedback.
With so many options available in the UK — from Ebebek practical multi-packs to Nordic Nest design-led silicone cups — the right sippy cup is out there. It’s all about matching the cup to your child’s stage and your everyday needs. Think of the purchase as an investment in smoother mealtimes, fewer towels wasted on spills, and one more small step toward confident independent drinking.
Conclusion: Choosing a sippy cup doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Prioritise safety, ease of cleaning, and the right size for your child’s age. Try a couple of styles to see what clicks — whether it’s a soft trainer, a straw cup, or a 360-degree rim — and keep a spare or two for backup. Your little one will be sipping like a pro before you know it.
| Sippy Cups | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Vital Baby Hydrate Kids Flip Spout - Fizz | £ 8,19 | |
| Nuby Flip N Sip Sippy Cups Pack Of 2 - Multicolour | £ 10,99 | |
| Done By Deer Raffi Peekaboo Snack Cup 16 Cl Blue | £ 12,50 |
