My wife and I are trying to transition our toddler off of breastmilk to a sippy cup. Since nothing about parenthood is ever easy, finding the best sippy cups for breastfed babies has proven to be really challenging.
The best sippy cups for breastfed babies are BPA-free, easy on the gums with soft spouts or can easily transition to a built-in straw, are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning, have easy-grip sides or handles, and offer spill-resistant lids.
My wife and I had our 3rd child in late 2017 and Layla (my 3rd daughter) is still breastfeeding. We’ve tried a bunch of cups. Some spill all over the place. A few are too challenging for her to figure out and ultimately it’s been frustrating.
So in this post, we’re looking at the best of the best sippy cups for breastfed babies.
Bottle-fed babies often take to sippy cups more easily, whereas breastfed babies can take longer to adapt.
But the right sippy cup will get your breastfed baby everything they need for hydration while giving you the peace and quiet you’ve been craving. They are affordable, safe, and likely to work for you and the baby.
No matter which sippy cup you select, make sure to get a quality cleaning kit so you can make sure the cup is clean and germ-free for your little one!
The top-rated cleaning kit on Amazon Prime is the OXO Tot Bottle & Cup Cleaning Set.
It’s an Amazon’s Choice product, has almost 200 perfect reviews and comes at a great price in a neutral color.
CLICK HERE to see the current price on Amazon Prime.
co-authored with Kelly Fowler, co-founder of Sweetmomsblog.com which focuses on baby care
Which sippy cup is best for a breastfed baby?
Ultimately, while we’ve listed out our top 7 favorites below, the one we think is the very best sippy cup for breastfed babies is this one:
NUK Fashion Hearts Learner Cup (click to see current price on Amazon)
Virtually all sippy cups have mixed reviews. I know when we’re buying stuff we all love to read reviews and pick the ones closest to 5 stars.
But with sippy cups, we’re faced with a tough crowd of sleep-deprived moms and dads with a newish baby.
In other words, parents of babies and toddlers are naturally pretty picky and critical when it comes to stuff for their baby.
In that regard, it was pretty tough finding sippy cups with decent reviews (but we did). But out of all the ones we looked at and reviewed, one stands out above the rest.
Here’s what we (and other parents) LOVE about the NUK cup:
- Spill-proof
- BPA-free
- Easy-grip design, with anti-slip handles
- Safe for the baby and easy to clean by hand or by the dishwasher
- Attractive colors and patterns
- Soft spout, easy for the gums
It is designed for babies 6 months and older.
When should a breastfed baby start using a sippy cup?
Typically at age 6 months is when most babies are ready to start using a sippy cup. Breastfed babies, however, especially if they are still breastfeeding, may not adapt quite as quickly as bottle-fed babies. But anywhere in the 6-9 month range is about right for babies to start using sippy cups.
In a recent study by the Pediatrics Journal, they found that 9 months is the optimal age for switching a baby from a bottle (whether formula or breast milk) to a sippy cup.
In their study, they noted that parents who switched their kids from bottle to sippy cup over a 7-day stretch were 60% less likely to have a toddler still using a bottle by the time they were 2 years of age.
Generally speaking, the longer you wait to transition your child away from a bottle to a sippy cup, the more challenging the transition.
Can you put formula in a sippy cup?
As a general rule, you can put ANY liquid in a sippy cup, including formula or breast milk. However, because kids tend to walk around with sippy cups for an extended time, it’s generally best to mainly put water in the sippy cup to avoid the tooth decay that can come from the pooling of sugars present in milk.
After all, while it’s naturally occurring, milk still contains sugars. Formula and especially juice or soda also have the same issue.
Other substances other than water also require more frequent cleaning and things like breast milk or formula need to be discarded after a relatively short time because of bacteria growth.
But yes, if you have transitioned away from the bottle but your child is still on formula or breast milk, you can put them in a sippy cup.
Just make sure to monitor the time and clean it out accordingly.
Best sippy cup for 6-month-old breastfed baby
The best sippy cup for a 6-month-old-baby is the NUK 5 oz. Leaner cup which is spill-proof. It features a soft spout that is gentle on teeth & gums. It also has easy-to-grip handles that are removable allowing you to continue using it as your child grows.
CLICK HERE to see it on Amazon.
At 6 months, your baby is in that transition stage. They can grasp stuff, but they drop a lot. So if you’re looking to add a sippy cup to breastfeeding, or move away from breastfeeding, finding a spill-proof cup is essential.
But the handles are removable, so no need to toss this one as they get a little older. But, you also need one that’s gentle on the gums as this is when they start getting their teeth in.
My pick for the best sippy cup for a 6-month-old breastfed baby? As I mentioned, it’s the . . .
The NUK cup (click to see current price on Amazon) is inexpensive with some of the best reviews out there of any sippy cup.
Click the link to see all the color choices on Amazon!
What I like the best:
- Spill-proof
- BPA-free
- Easy-grip design, with anti-slip handles
- Safe for the baby and easy to clean by hand or by the dishwasher
- Attractive colors and patterns
- Soft spout, easy for the gums
Thousands of near 5-star reviews can’t be wrong and it’s well under $10.
What if my child refuses a sippy cup?
If a baby refuses a sippy cup, remove the spout restrictor, slowly introduce the sippy cup while continuing to breastfeed some, use a straw with the cup, and play a game where a favorite stuffed animal pretends to drink from the sippy cup.
First off, just know that all babies are different, and while many babies transition within a week, others take longer. Just because your child refuses a sippy cup doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong.
Also, know that it’s also OK to NOT use a sippy cup and just go right to regular cups with lids and straws if you wish.
Here are some proven strategies in greater detail that can help them transition:
- Remove the spout restrictor – Some sippy cups have flow restrictors designed to make them more spill-proof. While we parents appreciate that, sometimes they restrict the flow so much the baby gets frustrated that nothing is coming out
- Go half and half during the transition week – If you are weaning a baby off a bottle (even with breastmilk in it) try doing half their feedings with the bottle or breast during your transition week and the other half with the milk in the sippy cup
- Put a little breast milk on the spout – Assuming your baby has been breastfed (which is what this article is geared for) it stands to reason they know and love the flavor of breast milk. So putting a little on the spout is a great way to get them more comfortable with it since it will taste familiar
- Try a sippy cup with a straw – Babies learn to master straws pretty quickly, so if they are having a hard time with a sippy cup with a spout, try one with the built-in straw
- Have a favorite stuffed animal pretend to drink from the cup – My daughter has a ton of stuffed animals she carts around with her anywhere. Anytime I want to get her to do something new, if I have one of her stuffed animals do it first and make it look fun, she’s MUCH more apt to want to do it
- Try it yourself – Along those same lines, kids naturally want to do EVERYTHING they see us do (which is why our behavior matters so much). So let them see you drinking from the sippy cup and they may want to join in
So let’s list each of the . . .
7 Best Sippy Cups for Breastfed Babies
1. thinkbaby Thinkster Sippy Cup
This convertible sippy cup (we will get to that in a minute) is an excellent choice for budget-mindful and practical parents.
Our favorite features:
- It is entirely free of (BPA), phthalates, lead, PVC, PET, and other harmful chemicals
- Reduced spills and leaks due the cross cut design and easy to close swivel top
- It is also compatible with the ThinkBaby baby bottle and straw top parts, making your future life even easier
- The nipple is anti-colic
Get this great bottle on Amazon Prime cheap!
The version with the nipple top (click to see current price on Amazon) is perfect for 6-12 months, whereas the version with the straw (click to see current price on Amazon) is perfect for 9 to 24 months.
Or get the complete kit of 2 bottles (click to see price on Amazon) which transitions all the way up to 48 months for just over $20; a great deal!
The cute, vibrant colors of these sippy cups will attract the baby’s attention; therefore, this is a sippy cup worth a look, especially since it is dishwasher safe.
If you start with the 6-month bottle and get the upgrade kit (click links to see on Amazon) in pink or orange, the sippy cup converts into a straw sippy cup, saving you time and money when you have to buy new sippy cups when the baby grows up.
Check out all the thinkbaby products and color choices (click to see on Amazon)
2. NUK Fashion Hearts Learner Cup
A bit smaller in capacity than the Think Baby version, the NUK cup (click to see current price on Amazon) comes with raving parents’ reviews and more-than-appealing features for its incredibly modest price.
Click the link to see all the color choices too!
Our favorite features:
- Spill-proof
- BPA-free
- Easy-grip design, with anti-slip handles
- Safe for the baby and easy to clean by hand or by the dishwasher
- Attractive colors and patterns
- Soft spout, easy for the gums
This bottle has almost 5 stars on Amazon Prime and almost 2000 reviews, so you know your baby will love this bottle! At well under 10 bucks, it’s also easy on even the tightest budget.
Just as with any other sippy cup on this list, we recommend you read some reviews and parents’ feedback.
Not all children are the same, and yours may need a different sippy cup style for the transition.
3. Gerber Graduates Fun Grips Hard Spout 4 Sippy Cups
This product features 4 sippy cups, so the investment is worth every penny. Let us see what you get when you buy the Gerber Graduates Sippy Cups (click to see current price on Amazon).
Our favorite features:
- Seal Zone Technology that makes the sippy cups 100% leak-proof, spill-proof, and break-proof
- The spout is bite and chewing resistant, but safe for the teeth and gums
- BPA free
- Dishwasher safe
- Easy-grip and drop-safe design
It also features almost 5 stars on Amazon Prime with just under 2000 reviews and well under $10,00 for 2 cups!
Note they ship “assorted colors” so when you order the colors may be different than pictured.
If you want the cups to rule them all, these may be the ones you were looking for some time.
Make sure you study the tech specs and reviews, to make sure these cups fit the needs and behaviors of your child.
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— Sweet Mom’s Blog (@SweetMomsBlog) January 9, 2018
4. Munchkin Click Lock Weighted Flexi Straw Trainer Cup
One of the best traits of this sippy cup is the weighted flexi straw.
This prevents the spills even if your toddler holds the container at unnatural angles. The price is low and the Munchin Click Lock 2 pack (click to see current price on Amazon) is an Amazon’s Choice product.
Our favorite features:
- Best for room temperature milk, water, and juice
- Weighted straw
- BPA free
- Handles are comfortable for babies who barely know what their arms and hands are for
- It is a good sippy cup when you are also on the go, as it features a flip top lid and Click Lock leak-proof
- The straw works well with the toddler’s gums
Get a 2-pack for under $15 or get the whole Happy Snacker collection (click to see current price on Amazon) for under $20!
If you want to train your baby to use a cup, this is good target practice and worth a try.
Check out all the 4 star Munchkin baby bottle options and products (click to see on Amazon Prime)
5. OXO Tot Transitions Straw Cup
If biting is a natural thing for your baby, this sippy cup is exactly what you needed, as the child needs to bite the straw to open it and drink.
Many other sippy cups share this feature, but some parents complain their children do not get the biting idea. BUT the OXO Tot Transition Cup (click to see current price on Amazon) a great way to keep the juice or water from spilling all over the place!
In other words, observe your child’s behaviors and preferences before you buy any sippy cup.
Our favorite features:
- Soft, comfortable, non-slip grip and removable handles so you can teach your child more control related to drinking
- Spill-proof straw
- Almond-shaped sippy cup makes dropping harder;
- It comes with measurement markings, a feature seldom shared by other sippy cups
- The hinged cap allows you to close it to create a leak-proof seal
If you listen to other parents, you should skip all sippy cups altogether and go for this one, as a six months old can get the idea in two minutes.
However, if you still breastfeed the little one, you should reconsider, because breastfeeding and straw biting do not go well together, for obvious reasons.
6. Playtex Sipsters Stage 1 Sippy Cups
Designed for children ages 4M+, these sippy cups (sold as a 2 pack) come with useful features and a hard to match the price from other brands.
Our favorite features:
- Spill-proof, break-proof, and leak-proof contoured design for comfortable hold; the sippy cups also come with removable handles for better drinking control
- Soft silicone spout that is easy for the gums
- BPA free
- Top rack dishwasher safe
An Amazon’s Choice product on Amazon Prime in colorful 2 packs!
Get a 2 pack these Playtex Cups with blue as the primary color (click to see current price on Amazon) or Cups with Pink as the primary color (also click to see on Amazon).
Some parents say the flow is too low, while others say it is too fast. As always, everything depends on the child.
Ease #breastfeeding challenges with this guide for success. https://t.co/D8021594BY #WorldBreastFeedingWeek pic.twitter.com/uQ2QdnMwzS
— JohnsHopkinsMedicine (@HopkinsMedicine) August 4, 2016
7. Baby Brezza Transition Sippy Cup
Last but not least, the Baby Brezza Transitions Sippy Cup (click to see color choices on Amazon) is a good choice if you want a simple and straightforward product with some hi-tech features.
Our favorite features:
- 100% spill-proof!
- It features the brand’s anti-colic TruFlo vent system, which minimizes gases
- It has a wide mouth, making things easy
- BPA free
- The spout is soft and gentle for the gums
- The easy-grip handles are removable
An Amazon Prime add-on item for just over $8.00!
Some people love this one because it is clear & grey (saving the trouble of color choosing) and easy to clean.
In case you do not know yet (you will!), kids can be fussy.
So if your baby is starting on solids, make sure to read my article on How to Overcome Picky Eating with Your Child (click to read on this website). While it’s not surprising that kids are picky, it was really surprising how easy it can be to work through that!
Final thoughts
In this post, we looked at the best sippy cups for breastfed babies.
Not every sippy cup is right for every baby and babies who are breastfed don’t always take to bottles and sippy cups easily.
A happy child is always a happy parent, so choose one of these sippy cups and you’ll be well on your way! Any tips, suggestions or questions on the best sippy cups for breastfed babies?
No matter which sippy cup you select, make sure to get a quality cleaning kit so you can make sure the cup is clean and germ-free for your little one!
The top-rated cleaning kit on Amazon Prime is the OXO Tot Bottle & Cup Cleaning Set.
It’s an Amazon’s Choice product, has almost 200 perfect reviews and comes at a great price in a neutral color.
CLICK HERE to see the current price on Amazon Prime.
About the co-author of this post
Kelly Fowler is a full-time mommy and a co-founder of Sweetmomsblog.com, a blog where she provides useful baby care advice for every new parent.
Some of the images used in this post were acquired from the web and are considered “fair use” under US Copyright law given this post is for the purposes of reviewing these products. That being said if the original photographer prefers us to not use their photo, we will happily swap them out upon being contacted.
