Just when your six-month-old learns to sit up by themselves and chow down on solids, it’s time to introduce them to the sippy cup. Sure, it’s just a fancier drinking vessel for kids, but it’s a vital first step to ensure that your baby quits the bottle by their first birthday. This timing is key because experts recommend complete weaning from the bottle between 12 to 15 months. Any later than that and it might lead to adverse side effects like obesity, cavities, misaligned teeth, and poor nutrition. So if you’d like to turn your bottle-loving kid on to the cup ASAP, we’ve got the tips and tricks, plus a round-up of the best sippy cups in Malaysia.
Tips To Transition From Bottle To Sippy Cup
For a tot who has received six months of comfort and nourishment from a bottle, a sippy cup may feel like a monumental change. To make the transition as fuss-free as possible, here’s what you can do:
- Go silicone: A sippy cup with a soft silicone spout will feel more familiar to a bottle-fed baby, which makes the transition easier. It’s also gentler on your baby’s delicate gums.
- Say hello to the sippy cup: Just like making a new friend, your baby needs to get to know the cup. Offer it to them empty, and let them hold, inspect, and play with it. Explain to them that they’re going to start using it soon.
- Teach them to sip: During solid food meals, fill the sippy cup with some water or milk. Occasionally, hold the cup to their mouth and tip it slowly until a little liquid dribbles in. Give them time to swallow, and if they don’t, that’s okay. The point is to get them used to the cup. If they resist, try dabbing some milk or puree on the spout to entice them.
- Save the good stuff for the cup: When they’ve gotten the hang of drinking from the cup, fill it with milk and use the bottle for water only. Chances are, they’ll choose milk even if it’s in an unfamiliar tumbler.
- Model drinking: Drink from your own cup and tell them it’s yummy to get them interested. Toasting to every sip also makes drinking a little more fun.
- Keep it slow and steady: If your baby is still attached to the bottle, try swapping one bottle feeding a day with the cup. Start with the midday bottle, then gradually swap out the morning and nighttime bottles too. Go slow so your child can ease into the change.
- Celebrate: Tell your little one how happy you are each time they finish a feeding from the cup. It’ll remind them of how much you support their growth.
Best Sippy Cups In Malaysia
Now that you know how to go about the transition, here are some of the best sippy cups in Malaysia for your little one.
Munchkin Miracle 360° Trainer Cup
Suitable for: 6+ months
Volume: 7oz / 210ml
BPA-free and dishwasher safe
The Munchkin 360° cup is among the best sippy cups in Malaysia, thanks to the deceptively simple but innovative design. It features a 360° drinking edge that allows your toddler to sip from anywhere around the rim, automatically sealing when the drinking stops. Little ones will enjoy how easy it is to take a swig of their favourite beverage. Parents will appreciate the spoutless design, which supports oral muscle development and makes cleaning a breeze.
He Or She Antibacterial Dental Care Sippy Cup
Suitable for: 6+ months
Volume: 6oz / 180ml
PP and BPA-free, and dishwasher safe
Did you know that this best-selling sippy cup holds the national record for being the first of its kind in Malaysia? Its standout feature is the bottle’s proprietary antibacterial polymer material, which inhibits bacterial growth and withstands drops. The dolphin-shaped cup also comes with a winged soft spout that prevents colic and protects your baby’s growing teeth. Plus, the weighted straw allows your baby to sip comfortably in any position.
The First Years Take & Toss Spill-Proof Cups
Suitable for: 9+ months
Volume: 10oz / 300ml
BPA-free and dishwasher safe
If you’ve lost a sippy cup before, you’ll want to consider stocking up on these Take & Toss Spill-Proof Cups. They’re durable enough for everyday use, yet affordable enough that it’s no big deal if you lose one. While the cups are stackable, the snap-on lids are leak-proof, easy to clean, and compatible with other Take & Toss products. When you’re on the road, the bonus travel cap ensures the spout stays clean wherever you go.
Philips Avent Spout Cup
Suitable for: 6+ months
Volume: 7oz / 210ml
BPA-free and dishwasher safe
With Philips Avent being a household name, it’s no surprise their spout cup ranks as one of the best sippy cups in Malaysia. And with only three parts to clean, what’s not to love? The straightforward design offers effortless drinking, with a soft spout and built-in valve that readily releases liquid when pressure is applied. If you’ve got other compatible Philips Avent bottles and cups at home, you can mix and match them to create the perfect cup!
NUK First Choice Learner Bottle
Suitable for: 6+ months
Volume: 5oz / 150ml
BPA-free and dishwasher safe
You can’t go wrong with the NUK First Choice Learner Bottle, which covers all the bases of a good transition cup. It’s got a leak-proof soft spout that’s gentle on teeth and gums, and an air vent that helps reduce swallowed air. Moreover, the grippy handles are easy for infants to hold and removable for when their grasp improves. But it only gets better! The newer purple unicorn and yellow dino designs come with handy temperature controls that indicate when the liquid is too hot.
Nuby Designer Series Clik-it Sippy Cup
Suitable for: 6+ months
Volume: 9oz / 270ml
BPA-free
What’s unique about the Nuby sippy cup is its leak-proof Clik-it technology, where the lid, when properly screwed on, produces a “click” sound to indicate it’s locked. On top of that, the valveless silicone spout only opens when your baby sips, so there’s no chance of drips. Coupled with the twin handles, your tot will have better control over drinking. It’s no wonder this practical cup remains a front runner among the best sippy cups in Malaysia.
MAM Trainer+ Cup
Suitable for: 4+ months
Volume: 8oz / 240ml
BPA and BPS-free, and dishwasher safe
From Europe to Asia, the anti-colic MAM Trainer+ Cup is a trusted sippy cup to encourage bottle-fed infants to drink independently. It features a spill-proof, extra soft silicone spout that’s comforting for teething babies, and a cap that doubles as a measuring cup for preparing formula. In addition, the bottle’s wide neck ensures cleaning, sterilising, and filling up is hassle-free.
Give The Bottle The Boot With The Best Sippy Cups In Malaysia
When it comes to ditching the bottle, time is of the essence. The longer you wait, the more attached your child grows to the bottle. So it’s best to transition them to a cup sooner rather than later, ideally after six months. Apart from enduring fewer tantrums, it also gives you time to try out different cups if your child doesn’t take to one immediately. Hopefully, one of these best sippy cups in Malaysia will do the trick!
Since mealtimes and cups go hand in hand, check out these ideas for your baby’s solid food meals before you go. And remember to sign up for Mum’s Club to get exclusive members’ deals, brand vouchers, and extra cashback coins on baby products every Wednesday!