8 Best Straw Cups for 9 Month Olds 2026

This game-changing honey bear straw cup isn’t just adorable—it’s a developmental powerhouse. The 8 oz semi-translucent silicone body lets parents actually see the liquid moving through the straw, making it an invaluable tool for teaching independent sipping mechanics. With food-grade silicone construction, there’s zero risk of harmful chemicals, and because the liquid never touches plastic, every sip stays pure—perfect for babies who love to chew. It’s not just a cup; it’s a feeding milestone enabler that tackles the frustrating bottle-to-cup transition head-on.

In real-world use, the soft yet durable silicone handles drops and teething with ease, while the easy-grip textured surface ensures tiny hands maintain control even when sticky. The included cleaning brush makes hygiene simple, and being dishwasher and freezer safe adds serious convenience for busy parents. However, the straw mechanism isn’t fully leakproof—if left tipped for long, minor seepage can occur. Still, for learning-focused feeding, it excels across surfaces: highchairs, strollers, and even wobbly first attempts at self-feeding.

Compared to the rigid plastic designs like Dr. Brown’s or Joypony, this silicone honey bear cup stands out for sensory safety and visibility. While it lacks a weighted straw, its transparency turns drinking into a visual learning experience, which is gold for determined learners. Ideal for parents prioritizing oral motor development and safe exploration, it’s especially strong for 6–12-month-olds mastering straw use. It delivers more educational value per ounce than the basic sippy cups, trading leakproof perfection for developmental insight.

Don’t let the modest price fool you—this budget-friendly silicone sippy cup punches far above its weight. The 9 oz capacity with a flexible weighted straw ensures babies can sip from any angle, a lifesaver during wiggly feeding sessions. With removable handles and a snap-in silicone straw, it’s designed for adaptability and easy cleaning—perfect for parents who want simplicity without sacrificing function. It solves the classic pain point of early cup dropouts and awkward sipping angles with surprising finesse.

In daily use, the spill-resistant seal holds up well on flat surfaces and even slight tilts, though it’s not fully leakproof when shaken aggressively. The soft silicone straw is gentle on gums, and the attached lid stays open during use, reducing frustration. We tested it during car rides and stroller walks—minor drips appeared if inverted, but overall, it’s one of the most travel-practical cups under $10. The cleaning brush included makes maintenance simple, though the straw’s rubber collar must be properly snapped back in to avoid leaks.

When stacked against the Tommee Tippee or Dr. Brown’s, it lacks advanced anti-leak valves or antimicrobial features, but for the price, it delivers solid performance and smart design. It’s best for parents who want two durable starter cups without overspending—ideal for daycares, travel backups, or first attempts. While it doesn’t wow with innovation, it outperforms its cost with reliable, no-fuss functionality, making it a silent winner in the value category.

Meet the leakproof legend—Tommee Tippee’s 10 oz weighted straw cup is engineered for chaos. Its anti-valve technology creates a near-magical seal, surviving shakes, drops, and even full inversions with zero spills. The soft weighted silicone straw moves with the liquid, allowing babies to sip from any angle—a game-changer for reclined feeding or active toddlers. Add antibacterial technology reducing bacteria by 99.9%, and you’ve got a cup that’s as hygienic as it is mess-proof. For parents drowning in cleanup, this cup is a lifeline.

We tested it with milk, water, and diluted juice—no leaks, even after tossing it in a diaper bag. The 10 oz size is ideal for longer outings, and the easy-grip handles fit comfortably in small hands, promoting independent drinking. Disassembly is straightforward, and all parts are top-rack dishwasher safe. However, the straw’s weighted ball can trap liquid, requiring thorough brushing to prevent mold—a minor but critical maintenance note. It’s less ideal for tiny 6-month-olds with weak grips, but shines from 9 months onward.

Compared to the Mama Bear or Dr. Brown’s models, it trades slight bulk for best-in-class leak protection and hygiene. While pricier than basic options, it delivers peace of mind that’s hard to beat. Perfect for daycare, travel, or messy eaters, it’s the go-to when spill resistance is non-negotiable. It outperforms in containment what others offer in cuteness, making it the top pick for high-stakes hydration.

This ergonomically brilliant 5 oz cup was clearly designed by people who’ve watched babies struggle with cups. The wide, weighted base prevents tipping, while the non-slip silicone surface gives wobbly hands a fighting chance. What sets it apart? Pediatric feeding experts helped design it, and it shows—every curve supports motor development and successful sipping. The see-through body reduces drink-time anxiety, letting babies see their liquid, which is especially helpful for cautious drinkers. It’s a masterclass in functional design.

In real use, the compact 5 oz size is perfect for 9-month-olds—not too heavy, just enough for practice. It works as a straw cup, spout cup, or mini open cup, offering three stages in one without buying new models. We filled it with water and smoothies—the straw flows smoothly, and the measurement markings help with portion control during baby-led weaning. While it’s not leakproof when tipped aggressively, it resists spills better than most open-style trainers. The silicone straw is soft and replaceable, and the microwave and freezer safety add versatility.

Compared to the Moonkie or Legendairy Milk, it’s smaller but more developmentally focused, striking a balance between stability and adaptability. It’s ideal for parents who value long-term usability and expert-backed design. While the capacity limits older toddlers, for 6–18 months, it’s one of the most thoughtful cups available, offering more growth potential than single-stage competitors.

Built like a toddler tank, the Joypony cup is forged from high-grade PPSU material—stronger than standard plastic, resistant to cracks, drops, and boiling sterilization. This isn’t just durable; it’s virtually indestructible under normal use, making it a top contender for rough-and-tumble kids. The 4-layer anti-leak system and gravity ball straw ensure spill-proof performance, even when toddlers flip it upside down mid-sip. With two included silicone straws, you’re always prepared—a rare and thoughtful touch.

In testing, it handled drops from highchairs, car seat tumbles, and even teething attacks without a crack. The folding 180° lid locks open, so it doesn’t press on baby’s nose—a subtle but huge comfort upgrade. The V-shaped valve ensures smooth flow without gulping, and the wide neck simplifies cleaning compared to narrow-necked rivals. However, the PPSU material makes it heavier than silicone cups, which can be tricky for younger babies still building hand strength.

Against the Tommee Tippee, it offers similar leak protection but superior durability and heat resistance. While heavier, it’s the best pick for long-term use across 6–36 months. Ideal for parents who hate replacing broken cups, it justifies its cost through resilience, outlasting cheaper models by months. It’s not the lightest, but it’s the toughest.

This parent-powered learning cup flips the script: instead of waiting for baby to master suction, you squeeze the cup to deliver liquid through the straw. It’s brilliant for hesitant drinkers who haven’t yet grasped how to suck effectively. The soft silicone body and valve-controlled flow prevent gulping, making it a gentle introduction to straw mechanics. For parents coaching their 9-month-old, it turns frustration into interactive feeding success.

We used it with a reluctant sipper—within days, she began mimicking the motion and eventually sipped independently. The 7 oz size is manageable, and the 3-pack offers great value for practice and backup. All parts are top-rack dishwasher safe, and the BPA-free build is safe for daily use. But once baby learns to sip, the squeezable design becomes redundant, limiting long-term use. It’s also not leakproof when dropped, so not ideal for solo play or travel.

Compared to self-sip models like Dr. Brown’s or Tommee Tippee, it’s less autonomous but more instructional. It’s the best stepping stone for babies struggling with suction, bridging the gap between bottle and cup. While not a forever cup, it excels in its niche, offering more guided support than any other model, making it worth every ounce of effort for slow starters.

Moonkie’s three-in-one training cup is a developmental Swiss Army knife—start with the spout, switch to straw, then remove both for open-cup use. The 4 oz size is perfectly portioned for early learners, preventing overwhelm. Made from 100% food-grade silicone, it’s soft on gums and teeth, and the double-seal lid prevents leaks even during toddler tantrums. With a design backed by ADA recommendations, it’s built to prevent tooth decay by encouraging early bottle weaning.

In practice, the transition between stages is seamless—no need to buy new cups as skills grow. The valved straw prevents choking, delivering a smooth, controlled flow. We tested it with water and formula—zero spills during active play. The compact size fits tiny hands, and the non-choking design gives parents peace of mind. However, the small capacity means frequent refills, and the straw isn’t weighted, so it doesn’t work well when tipped.

Stacked against Olababy, it offers similar multi-stage use but in a smaller, lighter form. It’s ideal for parents focused on skill progression and dental health, especially between 6–12 months. While it won’t replace a larger cup later, it nails the early learning curve, outpacing single-stage cups in developmental value.

Dr. Brown’s entry-level straw cup makes the leap from bottle feel effortless. The soft silicone weighted straw moves with the liquid, letting babies sip from any angle—even reclined—a huge win for fussy feeders. The removable side handles grow with your child, transitioning from guided holds to independent grips. At 9 oz, it’s roomy enough for meals and outings, and the spill-proof sliding lid protects the straw on the go. For parents seeking a simple, no-frills transition, this cup delivers.

In real use, it’s lightweight and easy to grip, ideal for 9-month-olds building coordination. The measuring marks help track intake, and the top-rack dishwasher-safe parts simplify cleaning. However, the plastic body isn’t as durable as PPSU or silicone, and it can develop scratches over time. It’s also not fully leakproof when shaken, so not ideal for backpacks. Still, for everyday home use, it performs reliably.

Against the Mama Bear or Tommee Tippee, it’s less advanced but more affordable, offering core functionality without extras. It’s perfect for first-time cup users who need a gentle start. While it lacks premium features, it provides the essentials at a fraction of the cost, making it the most accessible gateway to straw drinking.