We used an Avent spouted cup, then an Anyway Up Cup - never took a bottle” - recommended by Mumsnet user, AnnieHM Our Verdict Otherwise, look for cups that are easy to use (as this is all about giving them independence so think handles, easy-grip and easy drinking design); leak-free and spill-free (especially important for outings); easy to clean; robust; and with no harmful chemicals (such as BPA-free). How to help your baby learn to drink from a cup It can feel quite overwhelming to introduce a new way of drinking to your baby, especially at a time when you're also contending with the mess weaning brings along. Here's some advice from baby experts the NCT: Trying to reduce your plastics? You’ll love Klean Kanteen’s stainless steel water bottles for kids as it’s a bottle for life, which reduces wastage. The Classic Sippy comes with a spill-proof sippy cap and dust cover for little ones, but it’s also compatible with Klean Kanteen's bamboo, sports and loop mouth pieces so it can grow with your child. The bottle itself is virtually bomb-proof - it doesn’t scratch or dent, so it'll survive as time goes by. Just don’t lose it (eek!). Begin the cleaning cycle by pressing the cleaning button on the side of the unit for two seconds. The cleaning light will illuminate on the front of the unit and hot water will now dispense into the container (do not leave it un-attended at any time). Once the water hopper is empty, the unit will beep and the water light will again illuminate.

Straw: Sippy cups that come with a straw attached or included, rather than a spout, help to get your child used to drinking from a straw and a cup, for when they eventually get there. With a straw, your child won’t have to tip or lift their cup - nice and easy. Perfect for training, our Easiflow training cup is the easiest 360° cup to use ever! The cup’s 360° rim makes it easy for your little one to get used to sipping from an open cup, but with less mess. Specially designed for babies 6m+, the cup features a unique lip-activated 1-piece valve that twists securely into the base of the cup. With the touch of a lip anywhere on the rim of the cup, the valve breaks the seal and allows the water to flow so baby can drink with ease. The valve seals automatically between sips keeping the cup fully spill-proof between sips, even when turned upside down. Now, refit the filter to the water hopper and refill the unit with cold water. Run a test by selecting, “4oz Feed” on the dial and pressing the Start/Stop button. This will dispense a small amount of cold water into the container.Next, place a suitable container under the dispenser. Refit the water hopper and fill it with one litre of boiling water. The water light will extinguish, and the temperature light will illuminate. The classic cup has been a favourite with parents for years and it can be found in most supermarkets. There are cheaper cups, but we think it’s excellent value for money as a solid, well-made model from a trusted premium brand. With a low-ish price tag, you can buy a few (one for at Grandma’s, one for under the pushchair…) without breaking the bank.

Boisterous or busy toddler on your hands? Kids aged 3+ won’t argue over the Camelbak Eddy (we can hope…) thanks to the fun, adventurous designs. They’re made for flip, bite and sip use with a straw, a button-press lid and a valve that delivers a steady flow. Important for active toddlers, they’re supposedly leak proof when closed and spill-proof when open, and our Mumsnetter’s review supports that. Capacity: 300ml | Recommended age: 6 months+ | Material: Silver, Silicone, Polypropylene, Thermoplastic Elastomer What we love Capacity: 250ml | Recommended age: 6 months+ | Material: Polypropylene, High Density Polyethylene and Thermo Plastic Elastomer What we love We have lots of Klean Kanteens here. They can be pricey, but have really lasted and certainly do the job. Love the wide openings for ice cubes etc.” - recommended by Mumsnet user, IndecentFeminist Our Verdict This smart cup by baby feeding gurus Tommee Tippee is a great design if you have a ‘biter’ on your hands. The tough spout (with a semi-soft part for comfort, to be gentle on tender gums) can stand gummy chewing and even first teeth. And because it’s made using Bacshield antibacterial silver ion technology, the spout won’t become a home for germs to hide in, even if it does get the odd bite mark.Shop baby bottles, bottle sterilisers, prep machines and more. Tommee Tippee bottles are designed with natural movement and anti-colic features to help make bottle feeding easier. Discover clever feeding products for every stage from birth to weaning, whether you’re cleaning baby bottles or steaming your own baby food. Capacity: 400ml | Recommended age: 3 years+ | Material: Plastic (50% recycled material) What we love We got the MAM trainer cups and she absolutely loves them, they are quite spongy on her gums which seems good for her’ - recommended by Mumsnet user, Sammilouwho Our Verdict I couldn’t be bothered with getting the baby used to a bottle and to need to wean them off it for a year. We used a NUK soft spout cup, so somewhere between a bottle teat and a regular supply cup” - recommended by Mumsnet user, Callamia. Our Verdict