It’s always exciting to watch your little sprouts grow and develop new skills, and the sippy cup phase is one of the most important milestones. It marks the start of their journey towards independence as they begin learning to drink on their own.

Straw cups are ideal for supporting speech development and strengthening oral muscles, but before babies are ready for a straw cup, getting them used to a soft spout sippy cup is an important first step. Most babies love them, and they also help minimise spills while your baby practices drinking independently.

According to speech therapist and Mum of two Rachel Maroudas, who we recently interviewed as part of our Mom Talk series, when babies learn to drink from a straw, they develop their oral motor skills as they strengthen the muscles in and around their mouths and learn to coordinate their tongue and mouth movements. This helps with everyday mouth movements, such as feeding and later speech production.

At Sprout, we believe that every type of sippy cup plays an important role at each stage of development. By the time your baby has started cutting teeth, they’ll be ready for a straw cup, and sippy cups act as the perfect stepping stone towards that goal. While babies under 12 months are typically too young to drink through a straw, soft spout cups give them the skills they need to transition smoothly when the time is right.

In other words, a 360-degree cup helps children practice drinking from an open cup, while the sippy cup is a great beginner option for babies starting their weaning journey.

Difrax Non-Spill Sippy Cup (250ml)

Perfect for babies aged 6 to 9 months, the Difrax Non-Spill Sippy Cup helps your baby move from bottle feeding to drinking from a cup for the first time. With its adjustable two-position valve, you can control the flow, which is handy for babies still getting used to a cup.

The anti-spill spout is a lifesaver, preventing leaks and making it ideal for when you’re on the go. Its conical design ensures that the liquid flows towards the spout without your baby needing to tilt their head back too far, reducing any strain on their neck.

The soft spout and anti-spill features ensure a comfortable, mess-free experience, and the detachable handles are easy for little hands to grip. Plus, with input from medical experts, this cup is uniquely designed to enhance your baby’s drinking experience.

Difrax Non-Spill 360-Degree Cup (250ml)

This toddler cup is perfect for helping your child transition from a sippy cup to an open cup. The Difrax Non-Spill 360-Degree Cup has a sealing cap to prevent spills, making it a great option for travel or on-the-go adventures.

Its innovative 360-degree rim allows your toddler to drink from any side of the cup, cutting down on mess. Designed for children 9 months and older, this cup supports healthy oral muscle development, making it a key stage in their development. The liquid only flows when your child sucks on the rim, so they won’t need to tilt their head back to take a sip.

The slim, ergonomic design is easy for small hands to hold, and if your child already uses the Difrax Non-Spill Sippy Cup, you can attach its handle to this cup too, for added convenience. Designed with speech therapists, it’s very easy to clean and dishwasher safe.

Difrax Non-Spill Cup with Straw (250ml)

The Difrax Non-Spill Cup with Straw is a great next step for toddlers who have mastered the 360-degree cup and are ready for a traditional training cup. Its soft straw with an anti-leak system only releases liquid when your child drinks, making it mess-free and easy to use.

Perfect for toddlers from 12 months, the Straw Cup not only supports healthy mouth development but is also easy to clean, as it can be fully disassembled to prevent bacteria buildup. Developed with medical experts, it balances safety and practicality.

With a spill-proof straw, BPA-free materials, and a dishwasher-safe design, this cup is a favourite for parents. Just be sure to supervise your little one if they tend to bite the straw and replace it if you notice any signs of wear.

Final Thoughts

As your baby grows and becomes more independent, choosing the right cup for each developmental stage is key to supporting their progress. From soft spouts that mimic bottle-feeding to 360-degree cups and straws that encourage open-cup drinking, Difrax offers a range of solutions for every phase of your little sprout’s journey.

Each step in the process not only helps your child master new drinking techniques but also promotes healthy muscle development in their mouth, setting them up for success as they transition from one stage to the next.