Traditional sippy cups are made of polypropylene plastic.
BUT!
A plastic sippy cup may cause potential harm to your child because some may contain toxic chemicals.
However, there is a healthier alternative!
I started using insulated bottles, stainless steel sippy cups, mason jars, glass bottles, and glass containers and haven’t looked back since.
Health-wise, a non toxic sippy cup will make ALL the difference for your baby because of its complete LACK of toxic chemicals.
BEST OVERALL
BEST VALUE
BUDGET OPTION
15 Best Non-Toxic Sippy Cup Alternatives
A sippy cup is your child’s BEST FRIEND during their developing years. You can put your breast milk, water, and juice inside because it is made of a plastic cup.
However, you CANNOT contain hot liquids in these cups as they may produce harmful chemicals!
If you are looking for non-toxic sippy cups, below is my list of suggested non-toxic sippy cup alternatives!
1. Munchkin Miracle Stainless Steel Sippy Cup
BEST OVERALL
The best stainless steel cup I’ve ever used is the Munchkin Miracle Stainless! I like this product because it is a SAFE sippy cup for babies.
I’ve been able to keep drinks cool for up to 15 hours because of their premium insulation.
The lip-activated, contoured design allowed my child to drink from any angle, which helped develop his mouth muscles.
Also, I love this product because it is SIMPLE to use and has no complicated features.
Additionally, there are fewer spills thanks to the vacuum-sealed construction and 360-degree drinking edge.
This traditional sippy cup is the BEST OPTION because of its screw-top lid! Also, you can add a silicone sleeve to secure the bottle and cool your drinks.
The material used for the Munchkin glass sippy cup is strong and resistant to damage, even when handled roughly, unlike the materials used in a regular cup.
Be careful, though, as it is not completely invincible and may cause leaks when dropped.
Pros
- Silicone spouts
- Dishwasher safe
- Spill-proof
Cons
- Not transparent
- It may leak when dropped
2. Elk and Friends Stainless Steel Cups with Silicone Straws
BEST VALUE
If you want your child to think they are using the same cup as you, the Elk and Friends tumblers are your best non-toxic sippy cup of choice!
Its mason jar-like, stainless steel design makes it ULTRA-CHILD-FRIENDLY! Not to mention the bright colors too!
I recommend this cup for babies transitioning into their toddler stage because it gives them a sense of ownership of their belongings.
If you have a hyper or fussy child, you can depend on the food-grade silicone sleeve, which protects the cup from drops and bumps.
I can easily store it in the refrigerator or freezer for on-the-go use, no problem! The leak-proof and airtight tops keep the contents safe and consumable!
What I also like about this product is they also include a straw brush for simpler cleaning!
An additional goodie is that I can use these cups to color-code for convenience! Color-coding makes everything easier!
Pros
- Durable
- Does not leak
- Bottles have bright colors
- Easy-to-access silicone straw
Cons
- Prone to being broken
3. The First Years Take & Toss Spill-Proof Sippy Cups
BEST BUDGET
This non-toxic sippy cup holds 10 ounces of liquid and is available in four cheerful, eye-catching colors that your child will adore!
This traditional sippy cup is a favorite because it is strong enough to be used repeatedly because of its low cast!
The spill-proof, snap-on lips are valve-free and simple to clean. The bonus travel plastic spout makes transportation easy and hassle-free!
I love how easy it is to PAIR the bottle and silicone lids because these sippy cup alternatives can be paired interchangeably!
However, the lids are quite loose, which is unfortunate because my kid enjoys color switching.
NOTE: Use these plastic cups for children nine months and older.
Pros
- Interchangeable lids
- Easy to use
Cons
- May leak at a time
- Lids come off quite easy
4. Kid Kanteen Water Bottle
The Kid Kanteen is also one of the non-toxic sippy cup alternatives if you want a PLASTIC-FREE sippy cup.
I recommend using these Kid Kanteen Water bottles if you want nice stainless steel sippy cups with easy-to-use spouts and a greater flow rate.
This is the BEST option for bottle feeding because it is narrow, easy to hold, and can fit in most cup holders.
Stainless steel is also better for baby food and drink containers, like sippy cups! It is an ECO-FRIENDLY bottle that kids like, has few parts, and is easy to clean.
However, this non-toxic sippy cup lacks insulation because it is NOT a glass cup, even though it is made with stainless steel.
Pros
- Great flow rate
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not insulated
5. Green Sprouts Sip And Straw Cup
One thing I love about Green Spouts sippy cup is its glass exterior and internal silicone safety shield!
Not to mention, Green Sprouts are BPA and PVC-free, so this cup is 100% BABY-SAFE.
In case of breakage, Green Sprouts keep any glass from getting to the lid and going into your child’s mouth.
A plastic shell surrounds the glass toddler cup to shield the glass from harm.
The additional silicone straw encourages your child to use their mouth muscles to sip, which can help with healthy oral development.
These glass cups were designed to be easy to transition to from bottles or breastfeeding. They were a HUGE help to me!
It’s a great first cup for your toddler because the soft, silicone sippy spout only releases liquid when the child applies pressure, mimicking breastfeeding and using traditional bottles.
Additionally, I don’t have to worry about my kid dropping it, thanks to its easy-grip handles!
With its lightweight durability and non-petroleum plant origin, this plastic from Green Sprouts eliminates all worries about chemicals leaching into the environment.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Extremely durable
- Environment and travel-friendly plastic sippy cup
Cons
- The lid is not attached strong enough
6. mushie Sippy Straw Cup For Babies And Toddlers
I love ensuring that the water bottles are non-toxic; the one bottle that piqued my interest is the Sippy Straw Cup!
It is made with food-grade silicone that is FDA- approved for child use, which is a HUGE green flag for me!
Additionally, it is lead-free, phthalate-free, BPA-free, BPS-free, and free of other chemicals, so your child’s safety is not at risk.
This straw cup prevents spills thanks to its silicone lid that seals to its base and handles that encourage your child to hold the cup independently.
However, your child won’t be able to remove the straw independently because it is also non-detachable.
Pros
- Made from organic ingredients
- Free from leaks
Cons
- Undetachable straw
7. Thermos Foogo Stainless Steel Water Bottles
The Thermos Foogo Stainless Steel Water Bottle is an excellent option if you’re looking for a convenient cup for drinking while you’re ON THE GO.
This cup was a huge help to me during our family trips as the contents remain hot or cold for HOURS, thanks to the vacuum seal technology.
I love this product because it is simple to use thanks to the hygienic push button lid with pop-up straw; when the lid opens, the spout will protrude out.
Leaks are also unlikely to be a problem because of the bottle’s airtight lid, unlike most sippy cups.
This glass container is lead-free, making it one of the best non-toxic sippy cup alternatives! The only problem is that it is a bit heavy for my kid to hold on his own.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Insulated attached lid
Cons
- Fairly heavy
8. Morlike Living Glass Mason Jar Sippy Cups
This glass mason jar sippy cup with its name is sure to be a FAVORITE among your child’s unique gift-loving friends!
Your child can safely drink from the glass sippy cup because it is BPA-free, and the spout is made of medical-grade, BPA-free silicone.
I recommend these glass cups because these are strong and durable options for toddlers since they are incredibly difficult to break, unlike other cups.
Of course, all that strength and durability comes at a high price tag.
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Made with BPA-free silicone
Cons
- Expensive price
9. Pura Kiki Stainless Steel Bottle
The Pura bottle is the best plastic-free sippy cup alternative made of stainless steel. It is plastic-free, lead-free, and can be used as a transition cup for your toddlers.
When ice is added, the Pura Kiki Stainless Steel Bottle’s vacuum-insulated technology keeps liquids cold for about 24 hours!
I am impressed with this toddler cup because it contains NO plastic or chemicals.
Instead, it is made of toxin-free medical-grade silicone and food-grade stainless steel, which are better and safer for babies!
The wide neck of this glass cup makes it simple to fill, and the lid and straw are both easily removable for cleaning.
Additionally, you can mix and match the bottle with various other lids and accessories to make it adapt to your child’s changing needs.
Also, you can use these Pura bottles for your infants because it has a nipple-like plastic lid for your babies’ drink. Be careful, though, as the nipple-like lid may collapse.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Zero plastic parts
- Does not break when dropped
Cons
- The nipples tend to collapse
10. SunZio Stainless Steel Non-Spill Sippy Cup
My kid’s interest was immediately piqued when he saw the fun design and animal-shaped silicone lid!!
The cup is made of stainless steel, FREE of toxins and dangerous chemicals, making it one of the best sippy cup alternatives!
In my experience, these non-toxic sippy cups work best for those transitioning from breastfeeding and will benefit greatly from the soft silicone lid.
Also, this non-toxic cup is LIGHTWEIGHT and simple for your child to hold on to. I can also save a lot of time cleaning this cup by simply throwing it in the dishwasher!
Make sure your baby doesn’t handle it too roughly though, as it could cause leaking.
Pros
- Easy to hold
- Does not leak
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- It may cause leakage when used roughly
11. NUK Gerber Graduates Fun Grips Hard Spout Sippy Cup
Right off the bat, I immediately noticed that the hourglass shape of this cup prevents tipping and makes it easy for kids to grip!
Thanks to the bite-resistant spout and Seal Zone technology, I don’t have to worry about spills, leaks, or breaks.
Not to mention that this cup is completely VOID of chemicals, so I can have my kid sip from it with no problem!
Also, I love that there is a spot in this bottle that is ideal for personalizing your child’s name, which is great for kids in daycare!
However, I do not like that the spout has no cover, and the lid is quite tough to clean.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Bite-resistant
Cons
- Hard to clean lid
- No cover over spouts
12. Olababy 100% Silicone Training Cup
With the Olababy open training cup, you can easily transition infants nine months and older from a bottle to a cup!
I know my baby loves this product because it does NOT harm his teeth or gums thanks to the SUPER SOFT silicones!
The cup is made of long-lasting silicone that is easy to clean, and freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe.
Also, the wide weighted base adds stability and lowers the likelihood of spills, which saves me a lot of cleaning time!
The 5-ounce training cup has easy-to-read indicators and is free of BPA, PVC, phthalates, and lead. It is also ideal for portioning and mixing.
Additionally, it is heat resistant up to 428 degrees.
I would NOT recommend traveling with it, though, as it is quite bulky for me.
Pros
- Safe for microwave, dishwasher, and freezer
- Stable and wide base
Cons
- Not travel-friendly
13. Husk’s Ware Baby Transition Cup
I recommend this product because it is SUPER environmentally friendly and biodegradable with ZERO plastic parts!
Even the animal prints are made from food-grade, natural rice husks!
Also, if you are looking for a long-lasting, simple-to-clean, and durable product that won’t break even on repeated use, the Husk’s Ware Baby is the one to beat!
I can assure you that even your youngest babies and toddlers will love the plant-based Husk’s Ware Baby Transition Cups as an eco-friendly alternative to a sippy cup.
Although this cup is ideal for first-time use, you should keep an eye on your child while they drink because the retro design isn’t completely leak-proof.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Expensive price
- It isn’t completely leak or spill-proof
14. MAM Trainer Cup with Handles
I used this cup as a practice cup when my baby was 1 year old, and I’m glad it was perfect for him!
A cap is included with this sippy cup to prevent spills at home or in the car—the cap doubles as a convenient measuring cup.
I love this MAM training cup because it has non-slip handles that make it easier for your baby to hold on, and a wide opening and base make it simple to fill without spilling!
The best part is that your breastfed baby can easily transition into using cups without spills because the nipple is soft and spill-proof.
You also receive a spill-proof spout when your child is prepared to move on from nipple training.
Also, its SUPER convenient measurement feature saves me so much time and effort when monitoring my child’s intake. Talk about convenience!
However, I advise you to be very careful; while the previous products are not easily breakable, this one is.
Pros
- Low price
- Spill-proof
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- The baby can easily break it
15. Philips Avent My Natural Trainer Cup
These steel cups, made of BPA-free plastic, can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Their best quality is their compatibility with other Philips Avent bottles and cup parts.
This increases their ADAPTABILITY because you can use these cups as a piece of your baby’s favorite bottle if you have one.
I like this product because you can add a silicone sleeve to secure the bottle. Also, it has a silicone spout and a cap, which makes it very simple to clean.
Finally, it has trainer handles that enable infants to grasp the object securely while honing their motor skills.
Be careful with these cups as well, as they are not as durable as the previous options.
Pros
- Good for breastfeeding babies
- Has lip-activated rim
- Fast flowing valve
Cons
- Sippy spouts can be torn easily
- Not transparent
- It may leak when dropped
Why Are Plastic Sippy Cups Bad for Babies?
Plastic sippy cups give children instant access to calorie-dense drinks like juice and milk, which reduces their appetite by disrupting their eating habits.
Furthermore, and more importantly, baby sippy cups encourage immature patterns of sucking.
A sippy cup is appropriate at mealtime or drinking water between meals. You must NOT use it for recreational and entertainment purposes.
The excessive use of plastic sippy cups can lead to the following conditions.
Delayed Muscle Development
While nursing or taking a bottle, babies use anterior-posterior tongue movement from the front to the back of the mouth while drinking.
Babies typically develop a mature swallow pattern around the age of one. Liquids are propelled into their throat by the tip of their tongue, which touches the roof of their mouth.
When a child holds a sippy cup in their mouth, its hard spout prevents the child’s tongue from reaching up to that area.
A child may have difficulty chewing and swallowing new food textures if they don’t practice learning and developing this more sophisticated way of using their tongue to swallow.
Can Impede Proper Speech Development
Excessive use of a pacifier or a hard-spouted sippy cup may lead to early speech delay in a child, which is why it is best to use these MINIMALLY.
Speaking requires mouth muscles, and a child’s sippy cup use may prevent them from developing and strengthening.
The tongue may rest more forward in the mouth at other times of the day in children who frequently use sippy cups.
It can hinder speech and language development rather than “tucking” it on the ridge behind the top front teeth (the alveolar ridge).
To produce sounds like “T,” “D,” and “L,” the tongue must be powerful and coordinated.
What Should You Look For in a Non-Toxic Sippy Cup?
It is important to note that switching from bottles to cups does not necessarily involve using sippy cups; some health professionals advise beginning with open cups.
Non-toxic sippy cups, however, can be useful in the transitioning process; it is ESSENTIAL to look for the best product for your baby based on their motor skills and development.
Listed below are the things that I look for when choosing sippy cups:
Safety Certifications
To ensure that the cup you choose is safe and toxin-free, look for official certifications.
Some certifications to look for include:
- ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)
- FDA-Approved
- CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act)
Once you see these certifications, it is certified SAFE to use and free of toxic materials.
Material
Who would want a product full of toxic chemicals to be used by your child? Of course, no one would!
Materials such as silicone, plastic, glass, and stainless steel are acceptable for non-toxic sippy cups
BUT!
You should look for a BPA-free sippy cup when purchasing plastic ones!
Plastic products may contain the chemical BPA, which, at high exposure levels, may have unfavorable effects on health.
To ensure I am purchasing a safe cup, I choose to buy from a popular brand rather than brands made in China because they are less likely to conduct safety tests on their products.
However, there are NON-TOXIC ALTERNATIVES to sippy cups that can assure a child’s safety.
You can try using glass and stainless steel cups because these are eco-friendly options while having a soft and flexible spout that your children can enjoy.
Age Appropriate
The first thing you must consider when choosing a cup is its appropriateness to its age. Your baby can begin the switch from a bottle to a sippy cup around the age of six months.
I started with a cup that has a spouted, leak-proof top and easy-grip side, which helped make the change easier because open and straw cups may have a steep learning curve.
You can introduce straw cups between 6 and 9 months after they’ve mastered that. When your infant demonstrates readiness, you can introduce spoutless, open cups.
Since every child and family is unique, try out different approaches and aim to switch over to open cups only between the ages of 12 and 24 months.
Type
Similar to baby bottles, there are many different sippy cup designs on the market, and your toddler may prefer one design over another.
The main sippy cup types are listed below:
Straw
A straw is attached to or included with this style of cup. You can completely detach the straw for simple cleaning.
Some children prefer this option because they don’t have to lift or tilt the cup to drink from it.
Others steer clear of straw sippy cups because they may need additional cleaning supplies, such as a straw brush, to be kept clean.
Spout
This sippy cup has a firm, flexible spout with two to three holes to allow liquids to flow through.
It is probably one of the more popular variations of a sippy cup.
The softer spouts are closer to a bottle’s nipple, which some children prefer, while the harder spouts can withstand chomping and biting.
The spoutless cup has a technology that lets liquids flow freely when the cup is tilted upwards but seals shut when the cup is right side up to prevent spilling.
Readiness
Your child will demonstrate readiness when they are ready to transition from the bottle to the cup. I was able to indicate readiness by keeping an eye out ont he following:
- Standing without assistance
- Displaying enthusiasm for the cup
- Holding the mug
When you start introducing your baby to solid foods, including puree, typically around 6 months old, it is generally a good time to try cups.
However, DO NOT FORCE the transition if your child has trouble using a sippy cup! You can take a step back when they’re prepared and reintroduce a cup.
Leak-Proof
Aside from choosing plastic-free sippy cups, you must also consider if it has a leak-proof feature!
Sippy cups are an investment, so you must look for the best products that do not spill and leak. This will save you a LOT of cleaning time in the long run!
I personally look for a product made from stainless steel because they usually intend to have a spout free of leaks.
Durability
Since your baby will be using these cups a lot, it is best to choose one that will last a LONG time.
Sippy cups made of strong materials such as steel and silicone are your best bet as you won’t have to worry about breakage, unlike glass.
Furthermore, you want to make sure that the cup’s parts, like the spout, lid, and so on, remain intact after several uses as well.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Sippy cups are pretty simple to clean; it just takes a soap and water combination or you can throw it in the dishwasher after use.
Be sure to find one that is dishwasher-safe if you really want to save time.
Price
Lastly, you want sippy cups that are within your budget as it is an essential for feeding.
Some sippy cups made from high-end materials like glass or silicone may cost more, so budget your money wisely!
After all, I think it is a worthwhile investment wherein you won’t have to resort to cheap, unsafe plastic.
When Can You Introduce Sippy Cup Alternatives?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, when a baby is a year old, it is advisable to wean them from the bottle.
This is being done to prevent tooth decay that may result from prolonged exposure of a child’s teeth to milk sugars. Baby sippy cups frequently enter the picture at this point.
“Dentists, pediatricians, speech therapists, and occupational therapists all agree that sippy cups serve more to keep parents’ floors clean than as an actual necessary part of child development. I advise parents to weigh the advantages of independence against the real risks of cavities, speech delays, and sabotaging mealtimes”. –Melissa Foster, a pediatric occupational therapist in Arkansas.
You can give them a sippy cup when your baby is around six months old and is introduced to solid foods.
Sitting up straight, having good neck control, and showing an interest in food indicate that your baby is developmentally prepared for a sippy cup.
Experts advise switching from bottles to sippy cups when your child is one year old and then swiftly switching to a straw cup or open cup before your child turns two years old to help prevent bottle rot and tooth decay.
When a liquid other than water collects near a child’s teeth over an extended period or repeatedly throughout the day, tooth decay may result.
Frequently Asked Questions
Transitioning to a sippy cup can raise a lot of questions.
However, below are the potential questions you might ask and their answers to offer ease and convenience.
Why Is It Important to Use a Non-Toxic Sippy Cup?
Sippy cups are often coated with plastic that isn’t safe for babies to put their mouths on. It could lead to bacteria buildup or oral problems.
This is why non-toxic sippy cups are better as they are COMPLETELY FREE of toxic chemicals that can hinder a child’s development.
Are Silicone Cups Non-Toxic?
YES! Silicone cups are completely safe for food use!
It is indisputably safer for human health than plastics because plastic is a petroleum-based material commonly containing estrogen-mimicking chemicals like bisphenol-A (BPA).
Additionally, silicone is also a better choice of bottles for babies!
Does Silicone Release Toxins When Heated?
Food-grade silicone is SAFE for baking and cooking.
The ingredients in silicone are INERT materials, meaning that NONE of the materials used to manufacture the silicone will leach into the cooked food.
Do Sippy Cups Cause Lisps and Cavities?
Sippy cups MAY cause cavities that are caused by the bacteria that build up on them.
Excessive use of sippy cups increases the buildup of bacteria, which, in turn, increases the chances of tooth decay or oral motor delays.
In severe cases, it may even lead to speech impairments!
The acid produced eats through the thin enamel on your child’s primary teeth. Dental professionals call this damaged baby bottle tooth decay.
Are Non-Toxic Sippy Cups Safe for Boiling and Microwaving?
It depends on the brand.
Most silicone and glass containers are microwave-safe, but to be on the safe side, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
However, I would NOT recommend microwaving or boiling at all, as these extreme temperatures can take away the nutrients of whatever your baby is going to consume.
EXTRA TIP: You can bring around a lot of these sippy cups in a convenient diaper bag when you’re on the go! Read through my guide on the best non-toxic diaper bags to help you out!
What Materials Should I Avoid in Sippy Cups?
For starters, avoid PLASTIC! It is likely that any plastic cup you’ve come across contains BPA, which is unsafe for babies.
Other ingredients to avoid are lead, phthalates, PVC, and cadmium. All of these are hormone disruptors have been linked to several diseases.
Can Non-Toxic Sippy Cups Be Recycled?
It depends on the material.
Stainless steel and glass can be recycled, but silicone ones may not be.
Check the manufacturer’s guidelines and with your local recycling program first before sending them out for recycling.
My Favorite Picks
And now we are on my favorite part! If you are going to ask me my favorite picks among the products, listed below are my favorites!
Granted, all of the products I chose above are great choices, but you can never go wrong with these three!
Budget Option – The First Years Take & Toss Spill-Proof Sippy Cups
If you are on a tight budget but still want to provide a non-toxic cup for your child, the First Years Take & Toss cup is the BEST option!
Personally, I extremely ADORE how simple it is to clean!
Also, your child will find this cup fun and entertaining because you can interchangeably pair the lid and bottle.
Best Value – Elk and Friends Steel Cups with Straws
If you will ask me why I love this product, the best answer I can give you is it is the best transition cup for your toddlers!
These cups have stoppers on the straw which prevents your child from removing them from the cups!
Also, it has a beautiful mason jar design made with stainless steel, hence the best non-toxic sippy cup alternative.
Additionally, it has a straw brush which promotes a simple cleaning process.
Best Overall – Munchkin Miracle Stainless Steel Sippy Cup
Munchkin Miracle Stainless Steel is the best among all sippy cups!
Personally, I like its insulated feature because it can keep the drinks cool for 15 hours!
Also, its lip-activated design allows your child to increase water intake and even muscle and motor development.
Furthermore, I love how DURABLE it is! This Munchkin sup is strong and resistant to damage even when used frequently!
Conclusion
A sippy cup is essential for a child as it plays a crucial role in motor and skill development. With this, it is important to ensure that what is being put in their mouth is ENTIRELY safe.
To avoid toxic chemicals, I recommend using non-toxic sippy cups for your child!
Also, these cups will surely indulge your child in increasing their water intake as the designs are colored brightly, which is perfect for your child’s eyes.
However, remember that using sippy cups must be taken into moderation because excessive and inappropriate usage can lead to potential risks.
FINAL TIP: Of course, you’ll have to wash these bottles after usage, so it is best to choose a safe dish soap to wash these with!