8 Best Training Cups for Infants 2026

This ultra-compact training cup is a game-changer for parents diving into baby-led weaning. Designed with a 2 oz capacity, it’s the perfect size to introduce tiny sips without overwhelming infants, making it ideal for first tastes of water or purees. The soft, food-grade silicone feels gentle in little hands and mouths, while the textured base and tapered rim work together to reduce spills and guide liquid precisely—crucial for clumsy early attempts at self-feeding. It tackles the common struggle of mess-heavy learning curves with a design that’s both functional and infant-friendly.

In real-world use, the SAMiGO cup shines during highchair sessions and mealtime exploration. Its weighted bottom keeps it upright during wobbly grabs, and the non-slip grip ensures babies can hold on without frustration. The narrow top prevents liquid from sloshing out when tipped, though determined throwers will still make a mess—no cup is foolproof. At just 2 oz, it’s not meant for long outings or heavy hydration, but that’s by design: this cup is all about controlled, safe sipping practice. It’s dishwasher-safe and heat-resistant, making cleanup a breeze after messy weaning meals.

Compared to multi-stage cups like the Moonkie or Olababy, the SAMiGO is simpler and more focused—it’s not trying to grow with your child, but to excel at one thing: the very first step. It’s best for parents who want a minimalist, no-frills intro cup rather than a long-term solution. While it lacks a straw or lid options, its purpose-built simplicity makes it a standout for early weaning, outperforming bulkier models in precision and ease of use at this specific stage.

The Olababy silicone training cup brings a smart, pediatrician-backed approach to infant hydration with its dual-mode functionality—use it as an open cup or attach the straw lid for guided sipping. Its 5 oz capacity strikes a sweet spot between portion control and usability, making it a go-to for both home and travel. What truly sets it apart is the see-through silicone body, which lets babies see their drink inside, reducing anxiety and encouraging curiosity during the bottle-to-cup transition. The soft, non-slip surface and weighted base combine to create a stable, sensory-friendly experience that tiny hands can manage with confidence.

During testing, the straw lid proved highly effective for reluctant sippers, while the open cup mode worked well for more advanced infants practicing lip closure. The high-purity silicone handles hot and cold liquids without warping, and the built-in measurement markings are a subtle but helpful touch for mixing formula or tracking intake. It holds up well in the dishwasher and resists stains, though the straw requires occasional brushing to prevent buildup. While it doesn’t claim to be fully leakproof, the lid seals tightly enough for short trips—just don’t toss it in a diaper bag sideways.

When stacked against the Dr. Brown’s 360 or ezpz Tiny Cup, the Olababy offers more versatility across developmental stages, bridging early sipping and independent drinking. It’s a better long-term investment than single-mode cups, though slightly bulkier than minimalist options. For parents seeking a thoughtfully engineered, growth-oriented cup that supports both motor skills and emotional comfort, this model delivers stronger overall value—especially for those prioritizing smooth transitions and sensory engagement over ultra-compact design.

The Dr. Brown’s Cheers 360 is a spoutless revolution in sippy cup design, letting babies drink from any edge like a real cup while staying remarkably leak-free. With a 10 oz capacity, it’s built for older infants and toddlers who need more fluid per sip, making it ideal for daycare, outings, or post-meal hydration. The sip-and-see silicone valve is a standout—babies can glimpse their drink without spills, encouraging curiosity and self-feeding confidence. As skills improve, simply remove the valve to convert it into a full open cup, giving it unmatched longevity in a crowded market.

In daily use, the cup performs exceptionally well on carpets and hardwood, resisting leaks even during aggressive tipping—thanks to its intelligent valve system. The translucent body makes monitoring liquid levels easy, and the rounded shape fits comfortably in little hands, though it lacks textured grip zones. It’s durable enough to survive drops, but the valve can trap milk residue, requiring thorough cleaning. While it’s not designed for on-the-go travel (no lid lock), it excels in controlled environments like home or preschool.

Compared to the ezpz Tiny Cup or SAMiGO, this model targets a slightly older crowd, bridging the gap between training cups and big-kid tumblers. It’s less focused on sensory grip and more on real-world functionality and growth, making it a smarter pick for parents who want one cup to last months. While it doesn’t have silicone softness, its clever spoutless design and two-pack value offer better long-term utility than single-use infant cups—especially when weighed against its modest price and ease of transition.

The Dr. Brown’s Baby’s First Straw Cup is a budget-savvy powerhouse that punches above its weight in performance and practicality. With a 9 oz capacity and weighted silicone straw, it allows babies to sip from any angle—perfect for clumsy hands and curious explorers. The removable side handles provide extra grip early on, then disappear as motor skills improve, making this one of the most adaptable straw cups in its class. Its spill-proof sliding lid keeps the straw clean and protected, turning it into a travel-ready companion without sacrificing hygiene.

Real-world testing shows it handles milk, water, and smoothies with ease, and the soft straw is gentle on gums yet durable enough to resist chewing damage. The clear measurement markings on the side help track intake—ideal for parents monitoring hydration. It’s top-rack dishwasher safe and includes a handy straw-cleaning brush, though the straw base can harbor residue if not cleaned promptly. While not fully leakproof when shaken, it holds up well in diaper bags when the lid is closed.

Against the Cuddle Campus or Moonkie models, this cup trades multi-mode versatility for simplicity and reliability—it’s a dedicated straw cup done right. It lacks open-cup functionality, but for parents focused on straw skill development, it’s a smarter, more focused tool. When compared to higher-priced options, its exceptional value and clinical-grade design make it a standout, offering hospital-trusted performance at a fraction of the cost—without cutting corners on safety or usability.

The PandaEar 3-pack delivers unbeatable value and simplicity in infant training cups, offering three ultra-lightweight silicone cups in one affordable bundle. Each cup is designed with non-slip grip bumps and a tiny 2–3 oz capacity, making them ideal for early sipping practice during baby-led weaning. The shatter-resistant, BPA-free silicone is safe for hot and cold liquids, and the stain- and scratch-resistant material holds up to daily wear without clouding or odor retention. With no lids or straws, these are pure open cups—perfect for teaching lip closure and controlled sipping from day one.

In practice, the cups are easy for babies to grasp and tip, though their lightweight build means they can be knocked over more easily than weighted models. They’re excellent for highchair use, snack time, or outdoor play, and their top-rack dishwasher compatibility makes cleanup effortless. While they don’t offer stage-based learning like the Moonkie or ezpz, they’re perfect for parents who want multiple cups on hand for rotation, travel, or sibling sharing. They’re not leakproof (they’re open cups, after all), but that’s the point—this set is about mastering the fundamentals.

Compared to single-cup options like the SAMiGO or ezpz, the PandaEar pack offers greater utility for households needing multiples. It lacks advanced features like measurement marks or weighted bases, but for budget-conscious parents who prioritize safety, simplicity, and quantity, it’s a no-brainer. While individual cups may not feel as premium, their collective practicality and everyday durability make them a smarter long-term choice than pricier single units—especially when you need a backup within arm’s reach.

The Cuddle Campus 2-pack is a leakproof legend in the world of infant cups, thanks to its weighted base, soft silicone lid, and clever multi-mode design. Each 4 oz cup can be used as an open cup, a sippy cup with a spill-resistant lid, or a straw cup—just thread the silicone straw through the lid. This three-in-one flexibility makes it a top contender for parents navigating the messy middle stages of cup training. The food-grade silicone is microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe, and the tactile bumps on the base enhance grip and topple resistance.

In real-life use, the leakproof seal lives up to its claim—even when dropped or tipped, liquid stays contained. The soft, flexible rim is gentle on gums, and the removable straw and lid make cleaning straightforward. It’s perfect for car rides, daycare, or transitions between bottle and cup. However, the straw can be tricky for very young infants to master, so it’s best introduced around 8–9 months. While not as compact as the SAMiGO, it’s more versatile and travel-ready than most open cups.

Compared to the Dr. Brown’s straw cup or Olababy, the Cuddle Campus offers broader functionality in a single system. It doesn’t have measurement marks or see-through walls, but its shatterproof build and leakproof performance make it a safer, more practical daily driver. For parents who want one cup to handle multiple stages, this model outshines single-purpose designs—delivering stronger all-in-one performance without sacrificing safety or ease of use.

The ezpz Tiny Cup is the gold standard in infant training cups, engineered by a pediatric feeding specialist to optimize oral development and motor skill progression from as early as 4 months. Its interior angle and weighted base ensure smooth, controlled liquid flow, reducing choking risks and promoting proper swallowing—key for healthy speech and dental development. Made from 100% food-grade silicone, it’s free of BPA, latex, and phthalates, and its non-slip grip and tactile bumps make it easy for babies to bring to their mouths successfully. This isn’t just a cup—it’s a developmental tool.

In practice, it excels in highchair settings where babies are learning to self-feed. The soft rim is kind to teething gums, and the 4 oz capacity is ideal for sipping water, milk, or purees. It’s microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe—rare durability for a silicone cup. While it doesn’t include a straw or lid, its open-cup purity is intentional: it teaches real drinking mechanics from the start, unlike sippy cups that delay skill growth. The only caveat? It’s not leakproof, so it’s best used under supervision.

Stacked against the Dr. Brown’s 360 or Moonkie, the ezpz stands out for its clinical credibility and developmental focus. It’s pricier than some, but delivers unmatched expertise in form and function. For parents who prioritize long-term oral health and milestone support over convenience features, this cup is worth every penny—offering smarter design, better materials, and more evidence-based benefits than any other model in the lineup.

The Moonkie 3-in-1 training cup is a developmental Swiss Army knife, engineered to evolve with your child from first sips to independent drinking. Its three-stage system—spout cup, straw cup, and open cup—allows seamless progression, making it one of the most future-proof options available. The 4 oz size is ideal for infant portions, and the soft silicone spout and straw are gentle on gums while resisting chew damage. With a double-seal lid and anti-choking valve, it’s remarkably spillproof and safe, even during active play or travel.

Real-world testing confirms its leakproof claims—it survives drops, shakes, and toddler tumbles without leaking. The even-flow valve prevents gulping, reducing gagging risks, and the compact size fits perfectly in little hands. It’s dishwasher safe and includes a cleaning brush, though the valve requires disassembly for full sanitation. While the transition between stages takes a few tries, the cup grows with your child far longer than single-mode alternatives.

Compared to the Cuddle Campus or Olababy, the Moonkie offers more structured developmental support with its stage-based design. It’s slightly more complex to clean, but that’s the trade-off for its exceptional versatility. For parents who want one cup to last from 6 to 18 months, this model provides the most comprehensive skill-building journey—delivering stronger long-term value than simpler, single-use cups.