Spill-Proof Cups

Around 6-12 months babies you can start moving your baby away from breast feeding and bottle feeding and on to Spill-proof cups,  also known as "sippy cups" .  These cups are much easier to clean than bottles and come in an assortment of fun shapes, sizes and colors.

What to Consider

• Durability -- High-quality plastic that attaches firmly to the lid. Leaks are not acceptable!
• Truly "Spill Proof" -- Even when turned upside down, it should not drip. Liquid should only come out when your child sips.
• Easy to Clean -- Parts that come apart quickly and fit in the dishwasher are essential for parents. You have better things to do than struggle to clean a plastic cup.
• Price -- You are going to lose and misplace a lot of these cups.  Try to find an affordable otpion.

Types of Cups
Soft Spout Spill-Proof Cups  Good transition from bottle to sippy cups.	Hard Spout Spill-Proof Cups  More grown up, chewable, and initially hard to master.	Spill-Proof Cups with Handles  Easier to hold and gives a greater feeling of ownership.	10 oz. Spill-Proof Cups  Bigger babies are going to start to drink more in a single sitting.	Insulated Spill-Proof Cups  Keeps cold drinks cold and warm drinks warm.

Tips

• A soft spouted cup is often a good first sippy cup.
• Often, though, babies who drink from a nipple-like spout when first weaning will continue to want to breast feed.
• Some babies may need time with a regular cup before switching to a sippy cup. This will give them a better understanding on the motion needed to drink out of a sippy cup.
• Put a bit of the drink on the spout and your baby will learn to suck at it instead of just gnawing.
• If you show them how to drink, they'll mimic your actions.
• Don't stress about the timetable of learning to drink from a cup. Everyone weans at a different time, from 6 months to 6 years.
• Invest in a dishwasher basket.   Place all the little parts in this basket so the lids and straws don't get lost at the bottom of your appliance.

Top Products

• Avent 
• Ansa 
• Playtex 
• The First Years 

External Links

• About.com -- Cleaning sippy cup valves and other small items.
• Baby Center -- What to do if your baby has trouble with the sippy cup.
• Baby Center -- All about weaning.
• Canadian Paediatric Society -- So much information on the history and issues surrounding weaning.
• Caring for Kids -- How to wean your baby.
• iVillage -- An extended article on weaning processes, very pro-extended nursing.