One of the worst parts of parenting is the sheer number of purchases I make in desperation hoping they’ll make my life easier. The biggest culprit by far? Cups. When Nora was an infant, finding the best baby bottles was my biggest concern. After she ditched formula and switched to sippy cups, I found myself even more overwhelmed. There are so many must-haves for a toddler, such as toddler cups. There are a lot of options for toddler cups, and I’ve tried my fair share of them. I regularly get DMs asking for my opinion on this, so I wanted to finally put together a master post toddler cup roundup. This list will definitely be updated over time, so feel free to check back as I try new cups.
Toddler Cup Roundup
One thing I’ve learned over the last two years: every child is different. Some of the products that my friends raved about were flops for Nora; alternatively, she loves some of the things I’ve bought for her that had dubious reviews. We’ve tried spoutless and spout cups, but she prefers straws. That obviously influences my review, so just keep that in mind. Another thing I’ve learned is that you’ll almost certainly buy things that don’t get used, no matter how hard you try. Toddlers are fickle creatures, and Nora regularly changes her mind. It’s all part of the journey, I guess.
1. Zak Designs 15oz Kelso Tumbler
I planned to randomize this list, but I had to start with my favorite product. The Kelso Tumbler is a hit in our house for a couple reasons. It’s dishwasher safe and durable (it comes in both plastic and metal options). It’s available in fun designs, and Nora’s always asking for her Bluey cup. Perhaps the most important benefit is that it’s easy to clean and doesn’t leak. I will say that when I raved about this cup on Instagram, a couple people told me that they have had trouble with leaking, so there may be duds out there. I haven’t had any problems with any of the three we own, though.
My Rating: 5/5 stars
2. Nuby 3 Piece Girl No-Spill Cup with Flex Straw
Can I just say that it’s hilarious that this cup is gendered? Anyway, this is the one I’ve purchased most. We have six at our house and another three at my parents’ place. For a long time, this was my holy grail, and the reviews definitely agree with my original assessment. I still love this cup for being dishwasher-safe and inexpensive, but I have to say that cleaning it can be a pain. The straw is narrow, so you’ll need a drinking straw cleaner to make sure it’s actually clean. I have to really scrub the plastic lid if Nora drinks anything other than water. This is definitely still a favorite in my toddler cup roundup, though, because the price can’t be beat.
My Rating: 4/5
3. Munchkin Any Angle Weighted Straw Trainer Cup with Click Lock Lid
I’m fully willing to admit that this could’ve been user error, but I could not get the hang of this cup. It was always leaking, and when it wasn’t leaking, Nora was struggling to use the straw. I got so frustrated that I tossed it in the recycling bin (in retrospect, I should’ve donated it — but any parent will tell you that sometimes you’re just over it). Based on the reviews, this may have been a “me” problem, but I cannot recommend it in good faith. I’ll include a link for you to read other people’s opinions and make a decision yourself.
My Rating: 1/5
Where To Buy: AMAZON
4. Cupkin Original 8 oz Stackable Stainless Steel Sippy Cups
I found this cup when I was looking for something to put smoothies in. The straw is wide enough for thick liquids, which is a huge plus. I also love that Cupkin is a legitimate small business, which isn’t always the case when purchasing online. There are a couple of downsides to this cup. Pushing the straw through the lid can be difficult, and it’s only leak-proof if you remember to push down a plastic part on the lid. The cup isn’t dishwasher-safe, so be prepared to hand wash. However, it’s the only smoothie cup Nora likes. I don’t know that I’d purchase again (especially for $10/cup), but I don’t regret it.
My Rating: 3.5/5
Where To Buy: AMAZON
5. Amazon Brand Mama Bear Weighted Straw Sippy Cup
For a few months, this cup was it for me — at one point, it was a top seller on my Amazon storefront. I still maintain that it’s a winner if your baby needs a weighted straw cup, but there are just so many parts! I grew to dread washing these because it took so long to clean the lid, handle, cup, and two straw parts. I don’t know that that’s unavoidable with a weighted straw cup, but I definitely don’t miss it. If you made the mistake of not taking the cup apart, you could end up with mold. If I have another kid figuring out how to use a straw, I’d definitely use this again. I’d definitely be counting down the days till a non-weighted cup, though.
My Rating: 3.75/5
Where To Buy: AMAZON
