Best Double Handle Sippy Cups for 6 Months - BabyEssentials

Introducing a sippy cup at 6 months is a significant milestone in your baby's feeding journey, marking the beginning of their transition toward independent drinking. Our carefully curated collection of the best double handle sippy cups for 6-month-olds features innovative designs that support your baby's developmental needs while making the learning process easier for both of you. At this age, babies are developing crucial motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and the desire for independence—and the right sippy cup can make all the difference. Our selection includes 360° rotating leakproof cups with soft silicone construction, ergonomic double handles for secure gripping, and BPA-free materials that prioritize your baby's safety. Whether you're looking for a training cup that grows with your child or a beginner-friendly option with a gentle spout, our collection offers solutions that pediatricians, speech therapists, and parents trust. Each product is designed to minimize spills, encourage self-feeding, and support proper oral development during this critical stage. Paired with complementary feeding essentials like wheat straw baby bowl sets and waterproof bibs, you'll have everything needed to create positive mealtime experiences that build confidence and independence. Explore our collection to find the perfect double handle sippy cup that will help your 6-month-old master this exciting new skill.

Key Takeaways

  • Double handle sippy cups help 6-month-olds develop motor skills and independence during the transition from bottle to cup
  • Look for BPA-free, leakproof designs with soft silicone spouts that are gentle on emerging teeth and sensitive gums
  • 360° rotating or spoutless cups encourage natural drinking motions and support proper oral development
  • Starting sippy cup training at 6 months helps babies master self-feeding skills before their first birthday

What should you look for in double handle sippy cups for 6-month-olds?

When selecting a double handle sippy cup for your 6-month-old, prioritize safety, functionality, and developmental appropriateness. The cup should be made from food-grade, BPA-free materials like silicone or PP plastic that are safe for babies. Ergonomic double handles are essential at this age, as they provide the grip support babies need when their fine motor skills are still developing. Look for lightweight designs (240ml capacity is ideal) that small hands can easily lift and maneuver. A leakproof seal is crucial to prevent frustration and mess during the learning process. The spout or drinking edge should be soft and gentle on tender gums, especially as your baby may be teething. Easy-to-clean designs with minimal parts make daily maintenance manageable for busy parents. Additionally, consider cups that are microwave and dishwasher safe for convenient sterilization and warming.

How do you choose the right sippy cup for a 6-month-old's developmental stage?

  • Select cups with wide, easy-grip double handles that accommodate your baby's developing grasp reflex and hand-eye coordination
  • Choose appropriate spout styles: soft silicone spouts for beginners, or 360° spoutless designs that promote natural drinking and oral motor development
  • Consider weighted or anti-tip bases that provide stability as your baby practices holding and drinking independently
  • Opt for transparent or semi-transparent cups so you can monitor liquid levels and ensure proper hydration throughout the day
  • Look for transition-friendly features like removable handles or interchangeable spouts that grow with your baby's abilities
  • Ensure the cup capacity (typically 180-240ml) is appropriate for a 6-month-old's needs without being too heavy when filled

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of sippy cup is best for a 6 month old?
The best sippy cup for a 6-month-old is one with double handles, a soft silicone spout, and a leakproof design. At this age, babies are just beginning to develop the motor skills needed for independent drinking, so ergonomic handles are essential for a secure grip. Soft silicone spouts are gentle on sensitive gums and emerging teeth, making the transition from bottle or breast more comfortable. A 360° rotating sippy cup is an excellent choice as it allows babies to drink from any angle while promoting natural tongue positioning and oral development. Look for BPA-free materials, easy-to-clean designs, and a capacity of 180-240ml. Leakproof features prevent spills and reduce frustration during the learning process. Many pediatricians and occupational therapists recommend starting with cups that have weighted bases for stability and transparent sides so parents can monitor intake.
Which cup is best for a 6 month old?
For a 6-month-old, the best cup options include double-handle sippy cups with soft spouts or 360° spoutless training cups. Double handles provide the stability and grip support that babies need at this developmental stage when their fine motor coordination is still emerging. A 240ml capacity cup with a leakproof seal is ideal for preventing messes while encouraging independent drinking. Silicone-based cups are particularly beneficial because they're soft, safe, and durable. The 360° rotating design is excellent for this age because it eliminates the need for a traditional spout, allowing babies to drink from any edge of the rim, which supports natural oral motor development and prevents dental issues associated with prolonged spout use. Look for cups made from food-grade, BPA-free materials that are dishwasher and microwave safe. Starting with a training cup at 6 months helps babies gradually transition away from bottles and develop self-feeding skills.
Can a 6 month old drink from a sippy cup?
Yes, a 6-month-old can absolutely drink from a sippy cup, and this is actually an ideal age to introduce one. At 6 months, babies are typically starting solid foods and developing the motor skills necessary to hold and manipulate objects. Introducing a sippy cup at this stage helps them transition gradually from bottle or breast feeding to independent drinking. Initially, your baby may need assistance and will likely play with the cup more than drink from it, which is completely normal and part of the learning process. Start by offering small amounts of breast milk, formula, or water during mealtimes. Double-handle sippy cups are particularly suitable for this age because they provide the stability babies need as they learn to coordinate their hands and mouth. The process requires patience—most babies take several weeks to master sippy cup drinking. Begin with short practice sessions and gradually increase duration as your baby becomes more comfortable and skilled with the cup.
What sippy cups do speech therapists recommend?
Speech therapists and feeding specialists typically recommend sippy cups that promote proper oral motor development and natural drinking patterns. The top recommendation is 360° spoutless sippy cups, which allow babies to drink from any edge of the rim, similar to drinking from a regular cup. These cups encourage proper tongue positioning, jaw movement, and lip closure—all critical for speech development. Speech therapists often advise against traditional hard-spout sippy cups for prolonged use, as they can contribute to tongue thrust patterns and dental issues that may affect speech. Instead, they recommend cups with soft silicone spouts or no spouts at all. Straw cups are also highly recommended for slightly older babies (8+ months) because sucking from a straw strengthens the oral muscles used in speech production. For 6-month-olds specifically, speech therapists suggest starting with double-handle cups that have soft, flexible spouts or 360° designs. The key is transitioning away from bottle-like sucking motions toward more mature drinking patterns that support both feeding and speech development.
How do you transition a 6 month old to a sippy cup?
Transitioning a 6-month-old to a sippy cup is a gradual process that requires patience and consistency. Start by introducing the sippy cup during mealtimes when your baby is alert and in a good mood, not overly hungry or tired. Begin by offering the cup with a small amount of expressed breast milk or formula—familiar tastes make the new drinking method less intimidating. Let your baby explore the cup by touching, holding, and mouthing it without pressure to drink immediately. Demonstrate how to use the cup by bringing it to their mouth and tipping it gently. Use a double-handle design so your baby can grip it independently, which builds confidence and motor skills. Offer the sippy cup consistently at each meal, but continue regular bottle or breast feedings to ensure adequate nutrition and hydration. Celebrate small victories—even if your baby only takes a few sips initially. Gradually increase the amount of liquid in the sippy cup while slowly reducing bottle feedings over several weeks or months. Choose a leakproof, 360° rotating cup to minimize mess and frustration. Remember that every baby progresses at their own pace, and the transition typically takes 2-3 months to complete fully.

Sources

  • The Best Sippy Cups — www.babygearlab.com
  • Best Sippy Cups for Babies and Toddlers in 2025, Tested by Parents — www.whattoexpect.com
  • The Best Sippy Cups for Babies and Toddlers, Tested by Parents — www.parents.com
  • Best sippy cups to start a 6 mo with!? | Facebook — www.facebook.com
  • 2025 Non-Toxic Sippy Cup & Water Bottle Guide — gimmethegoodstuff.org