Drinking Bottles and Cups

Drinking Bottles and Cups are an important part of children's mealtime routines and help babies and toddlers practise drinking independently. This category includes straw, spout and spill-proof options, including cups with leak-proof valves and soft mouthpieces, adapted to different stages of development. The range includes drinking cups with capacities of 200–450 ml as well as accessories with interchangeable parts, such as replacement straws for thermal cups.

A good drinking cup is practical for everyday use at home and in the nursery: children can drink comfortably at home or on the go, and care is easier when the cup has clearly defined parts that can be replaced as needed. You'll also find cups with a secure seal and a bite-resistant mouthpiece.

Drinking Bottles and Cups: what sets learning cups apart?

Drinking bottles and cups for babies and toddlers are designed to make the transition from breastfeeding or bottle-feeding to independent drinking smooth. Spill-proof construction plays an important role: leak-proof valves, sealing valves and specially designed openings help prevent liquid from spilling while the child is still learning to hold the cup. Many models also have handles or an easy-to-hold shape to help keep the child's grip and drinking position stable.

When choosing, consider which drinking method your child is practising. Straw cups help develop coordination gradually, spout cups suit children who need a directed flow, and 360° spill-proof cups support drinking from different angles. If your child already has their first teeth, consider options with a bite-resistant mouthpiece.

When to choose a straw cup and when to choose a spout cup?

Straw cups are often a first step when a child is learning to control the movements of their mouth and lips while drinking. Flexible straw cups also help with positioning: the straw is designed for drinking at an angle, which can make drinking easier even if the child has not yet mastered a precise posture. In addition, many straw cups have a valve that lets liquid flow when the child is actually drinking.

Spout cups are often suitable for children who need a more directed flow. Soft, leak-proof spouts help reduce spills and make mealtimes easier. Some models have a soft mouthpiece shaped with the mouth in mind for comfortable drinking.

• Choose a straw cup if you want to support gradual development of drinking technique and a steady flow.
• Choose a spout cup if your child needs a directed flow and a leak-proof option.
• Choose a 360° spill-proof cup if your child is practising independent drinking and holds the cup in different positions.
• Check the age marking (e.g. 6+, 9+ and 12+) to choose a suitable mouthpiece and flow mechanism.

Practical selection criteria: material, seal and care

A drinking cup for children's mealtimes should be suitable for everyday use. Sealing valves and leak-proof valves help prevent spills and reduce mess in the nursery. It is also important that the different parts of the cup are accessible for cleaning.

When it comes to materials, consider Tritan cups, which are often lightweight and practical for everyday use. If a model has interchangeable parts (e.g. a replacement straw or mouthpiece), this is a convenient option if your child's needs change or a part wears out. Some products also come with a cleaning brush to help reach a particular part.

• Spill-proof mechanism: a valve, flap or seal that helps reduce spills.
• Material: for example, Tritan and plastic components suitable for everyday use.
• Mouthpiece: a soft silicone mouthpiece or a bite-resistant mouthpiece.
• Capacity: a common range is 200–450 ml, depending on the child's needs.
• Care: easy disassembly and replaceable parts where needed.

By age and development: what to check before buying?

When choosing a drinking cup, the most important thing is to match it to your child’s stage of development. Age labels offer general guidance: the first cups with straws are intended for early learning (e.g. 6+), while versions with bite-resistant spouts support use when the first teeth are active (e.g. 9+ and 18+). Training cups are designed to help children practise drinking from an open cup while offering a comfortable rim and shape.

It is also worth considering your child’s abilities: can they already hold a cup steadily, do they still need handles, and which way of drinking is currently easiest? This helps you choose a cup that supports development and reduces mealtime mess.

If you are looking for a practical solution for babies and toddlers that makes drinking leak- and spill-proof, cups with straws, spouts and leakproof designs are a good place to start. These drinking cups are suitable for the nursery, both for the morning routine and alongside play, helping keep mealtime routines consistent and calm.