Open Cups vs Sippy Cups: What Parents Need to Know

From first tastes to first sips, every little milestone in your baby’s feeding journey comes with new questions and one that many parents find themselves asking is:

Should my baby use an open cup or a sippy cup?

With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming trying to choose what’s best for your little one. The truth is, every child develops differently, and there’s no single “perfect” approach.

But understanding the difference between open cups and sippy cups can help parents make a more confident, informed choice for their family.

At Liore, we believe mealtimes should feel supportive, gentle and pressure-free — so here’s a simple guide to what parents need to know.

What Is an Open Cup?

An open cup is exactly what it sounds like — a cup without a lid, spout or straw.

It allows babies to learn how to:

• sip naturally
• control the flow of liquid
• strengthen oral muscles
• practice coordination and balance

While it may seem messy at first (and yes, there will absolutely be spills), open cups encourage babies to develop drinking skills in a more natural way from an early age.

What Is a Sippy Cup?

Sippy cups are designed with lids and spouts to reduce spills and make drinking easier while transitioning away from bottles.

Many parents love them because they:

• feel convenient for travel
• reduce mess
• can be easier for babies to hold initially

And for busy families, that convenience can be incredibly helpful during everyday life.

Why Are More Parents Exploring Open Cups?

In recent years, many feeding specialists and parents have started encouraging open cup introduction earlier in a baby’s feeding journey.

Why?

Because open cups can help support:

• oral development
• tongue movement
• lip strength
• healthy sipping habits
• coordination during mealtimes

Open cups also encourage babies to slow down and become more aware of how they drink, helping build independence and confidence over time.

But Isn’t an Open Cup Messy?

Absolutely.

And that’s okay.

Like many parts of weaning, learning to drink from an open cup takes practice. At first, there may be:

• spills
• wet sleeves
• tipped cups
• tiny puddles across the tray

But messy moments are often learning moments.

Babies learn through repetition, curiosity and hands-on exploration and with time, those shaky first sips gradually become more controlled and confident.

At Liore, we believe the mess is part of the memory.

Is There Anything Wrong With Sippy Cups?

Not necessarily.

For many parents, sippy cups can be:

• practical on the go
• less stressful during outings
• a helpful temporary transition tool

Every family’s routine is different, and sometimes convenience matters especially during busy days.

The most important thing is choosing what works best for your child and your lifestyle without feeling pressure from social media or parenting trends.

When Can Babies Start Using an Open Cup?

Many babies can begin exploring small open cups around 6 months, often alongside the start of weaning.

At this stage:

• tiny amounts of water are enough
• practice matters more than perfection
• supervision is important

Small, lightweight cups designed for little hands can make the transition feel easier and more comfortable for babies learning this new skill.

Gentle Tips for Introducing an Open Cup

If you’re thinking about trying an open cup with your little one, here are a few gentle ways to start:

Start small

Only add a little water at first to reduce spills

Offer support

Help guide the cup while your baby learns balance and control

Expect mess

Learning takes time and messy practice is completely normal

Keep it relaxed

Avoid pressure or frustration during mealtimes. Confidence grows best in calm environments.

Practice regularly

Small daily moments help babies build familiarity and coordination over time.

Every Feeding Journey Looks Different

Some babies take to open cups quickly.
Others prefer more time.
Some families use a combination of both.

And that’s completely okay.

Parenting is rarely one-size-fits-all.

What matters most is creating calm, positive mealtime experiences where little ones feel safe to explore, learn and grow at their own pace.

Because one day, the spills and tiny handprints may be the moments you miss the most.

Explore Liore’s Open Cup Collection

Thoughtfully designed for little hands, curious sips and beautifully messy moments 🤍