Few things are more intimately linked with toddlerhood than sippy cups. Whether covered in stickers or hand-painted by a loving grandparent, these training cups are a staple in households with young children.
Drinking from a sippy cup is one of the first steps in helping your little one transition from a baby bottle to a regular cup. But what else should you know about sippy cups before you buy one? The answer is simple: safety.
This article will outline the reliable ways to find a non-toxic cup for your child. This way, your kid will be one step closer to thriving toddlerhood.
From Baby Bottles to Sippy Cups: The Significant Milestone
A baby’s first sip from a sippy cup is a huge milestone! It signifies that your little one is growing up and that they are ready to change their drinking pattern; they no longer need breast milk or bottle feeding.
This exciting new phase of life brings a whole host of new textures, flavors, and smells for your baby to discover. It’s also a good time for you to spend quality time with your kid as they learn about the joys of drinking. But how do sippy cups aid in the growth of your child?
1. Sippy cups teach infants to regulate the flow of liquid
Using sippy cups is a messy process, but it can help teach infants an important skill—how to control the flow of liquid they drink.
When your child uses a sippy cup, they may first spill some milk or water. But eventually, they’ll learn how to take small sips and avoid making a mess. The trick is to begin with a toddler cup with a slow flow rate and gradually increase the flow rate as the child ages.
Slowly introducing a sippy cup to kids guides parents in allowing their infants to learn this essential skill in a safe and controlled environment.
2. Sippy cups encourage independence
Around six to nine months old, most babies can start using a sippy cup. Transitioning to this training cup will benefit them as they grow up.
When they can drink independently, they can access water or other liquids whenever needed—no need to rely on an adult for help. Kids can also stay hydrated throughout the day with a sippy cup, which is essential for their health and development.
Simply put, this can be extremely beneficial when your kid is away from home, like during daycare or when out and about with the family.
3. Sippy cups help babies become accustomed to regular cups
Babies frequently struggle to drink from open cups due to their inexperience in controlling their mouth muscles. Luckily, sippy cups are less intimidating for them than other cups.
In contrast to standard cups, sippy cups feature an uncomplicated sippy spout for little mouths to drink from. In addition, these toddler cups often have spill-proof valves and easy-to-grip handles.
There are also sippy cups that look like regular cups but have a durable silicone sleeve so your child can take small sips without making a mess.
4. Sippy cups are less likely to induce dental decay than bottles
Dental health may not be top of your list, but good oral hygiene practices are very much needed.
Sippy cups are less likely to induce dental rot than baby bottles for a few reasons. For one, sippy cups can reduce the time sugary liquids come in contact with their teeth. Moreover, sippy cups typically have softer spouts that are less likely to chip or crack fragile teeth.
Best of all, many sippy cups are built of materials less likely to sustain bacterial development.
What Embodies the Best Sippy Cups for Your Child?
Numerous items we use daily are laced with toxic chemicals. From the cleaners we use to disinfect our homes to the cosmetics we put on our skin, it’s tough to avoid exposure to potentially dangerous compounds.
Even something seemingly innocuous as a sippy cup can contain dangerous chemicals. And this is what we don’t want for our kids. So what exactly makes a non-toxic sippy cup?
1. Plastic-Free Sippy Cup
Here’s a hot tip for all the parents out there: ditch the plastic sippy cups!
Plastic sippy cups are made from petroleum-based materials, which can leach harmful chemicals into the liquid inside. These substances have been linked to numerous health problems like reproductive damage and disrupted immune systems.
Even worse, plastic cups are often lined with bisphenol A (BPA). This synthetic hormone can obstruct a child’s normal metabolism and growth. So, look for sippy cups labeled as “BPA-free” and “phthalate-free” to ensure your child is not exposed to these dangerous chemicals.
2. Safe for Hot Liquids
Various sippy cups on the market claim to be suitable for hot liquids, but not all of them live up to this promise.
Some cups are made of thin plastic, which when exposed to high temperatures, becomes brittle or prone to melting. Other cups include PVC or BPA, which can dissolve into the beverage and harm your child’s health.
Remember, the best non-toxic sippy cup can be used worry-free for hot and cold beverages. This means they can withstand high temperatures without letting chemicals seep from the cup into your child’s mouth.
3. Durable and Spill-Proof
Feeding time is an exciting moment for your kid. It’s a time for bonding, learning, and eating! But along with all the good that comes with mealtime, there will inevitably be some spills and messes. That’s where spill-proof sippy cups come in handy.
A good sippy cup should be leak-proof, even if it’s tipped over. This can help prevent spillages and stains when you’re out and about. Choosing a durable sippy cup that can stand up to a few bumps and drops is also important. After all, mishaps do happen no matter how vigilant you are.
With a spill-proof and durable sippy cup, you can rest assured that your baby will be able to enjoy their meals—and that you won’t have to deal with any pesky cleanup afterward!
4. Easy to Clean
Easy cleaning is a must when it comes to sippy cups. No one wants to spend extra time scrubbing away at hard-to-reach nooks and crannies only to find bacteria still lurking.
Choosing a sippy cup with a wide mouth and smooth surface is the key. Many reusable sippy cups also come with removable parts that can be washed in the dishwasher, making cleaning even easier.
4 Non-Toxic Sippy Cup Ideas for Kids
Now that you know about the risks of BPA and other toxins in plastic sippy cups, you’re probably wondering what alternatives are available. Thankfully, eco-friendly alternatives are all the rage right now! Here are some that we recommend:
1. Stainless Steel Sippy Cups
Stainless steel sippy cups are a primary recommendation when looking for the best non-toxic alternatives for your toddler.
Stainless steel cups are free of BPA, phthalates, and lead, and do not retain flavors or odors. They are also dishwasher-safe and durable, making them a good choice for active kids. The only problem is that they can be heavy and slippery sometimes, so you must train your kids to hold them carefully.
2. Glass Sippy Cups
Glass cups are another good option for non-toxic sippy cups. Like stainless steel cups, they are PVC, phthalates, and BPA-free.
Glass cups are dishwasher safe and can be sterilized in the microwave. Some parents prefer glass cups because they do not retain flavors or odors like plastic cups. You can also see how much liquid is left in the cup. However, they can be heavier than plastic or metal cups, making them less ideal for toddlers just learning to use a sippy cup.
3. Straw Cups
A straw cup typically has a soft silicone straw attached to the lid, making them easy for little ones to use.
Straw cups provide the advantage of boosting your child’s motor skills. As your child learns to control the straw, they will also be working on their hand-eye coordination. In addition, straw cups are often easier for children to drink from than traditional sippy cups. This is because the straw allows them to control the flow of liquid, which can be helpful for those who are still learning to sip.
4. Silicone Sippy Cups
Silicone sippy cups are made from food-grade silicone, a safe and non-toxic material. They make excellent substitutes for conventional plastic or glass cups. They are strong, compact, and simple to maintain.
You can pick a silicone sippy cup that matches your child’s interests as they are available in various colors, patterns, and designs.
Silicone Sippy Cup Lids: Your Eco-Friendly Drinking Option
Sippy cups are a mainstay for parents of young children. But, unfortunately, a lot of traditional sippy cups are composed of plastic, which can infiltrate toxic compounds into your child’s beverage.
Ashtonbee’s silicone sippy cup lids are the perfect choice for eco-conscious parents. Made of food grade silicone, our lids are BPA-free and safe for your little one to use. Our sippy cup lids are also super durable. You can also reuse them numerous times, which lessens waste and makes cutbacks.
Not to mention, they are dishwasher-safe and low maintenance—simply pop them on the top rack, and you’re ready to go.
Browse our toddler items today! Your baby will love them, and so will the environment!
