Quick answer

For most babies around 6 months who are just starting with an open or straw cup, a weighted straw cup is the better first choice because the weighted straw lets them drink from any angle. Choose the Bluey Pop Up Trainer Cup if your baby already has some sipping experience and you want a playful, character-themed cup that encourages independent drinking. There is no single best first sippy cup for every baby; the right pick depends on your child's current skills and your daily routine.

Key differences between the Bluey Pop Up Trainer Cup and a weighted straw cup

The Bluey Pop Up Trainer Cup is a 7 oz cup with a pop-up straw that stays covered when not in use. It is designed for toddlers who are learning to drink from a straw and enjoy the Bluey character. A weighted straw cup, by contrast, has a weighted end at the bottom of the straw that moves with the liquid, so your baby can drink even when tilting the cup. Weighted straw cups are often recommended as a first straw cup because they help babies transition from bottle or breast to independent drinking.

The main trade-off is simplicity versus flexibility. The Bluey cup's pop-up mechanism is fun and keeps the straw clean, but it may require more coordination to open and close. A weighted straw cup is simpler to use from the start but may not have the same character appeal that motivates some toddlers.

When to choose the Bluey Pop Up Trainer Cup

If your child is already comfortable drinking from a straw and loves Bluey, the Bluey Pop Up Trainer Cup can be a great motivator. The 7 oz size is appropriate for toddlers who are drinking larger amounts and can hold a cup with minimal help. The pop-up straw also helps keep the drinking surface clean when you're on the go. However, if your baby is still learning to sip, the extra step of popping up the straw might be frustrating. In that case, start with a simpler weighted straw cup and switch to the Bluey cup once sipping is mastered.

When to choose a weighted straw cup

A weighted straw cup is often the best first sippy cup for babies around 6 months because it works from any angle. Babies who are used to breastfeeding or bottle-feeding can drink without tilting the cup, which makes the transition easier. Weighted straw trainer cup benefits include promoting independent drinking and helping babies learn to use a straw, a skill that supports oral development. If your baby is easily distracted or still developing head and neck control, the weighted straw cup offers more flexibility. Keep in mind that weighted straw cups can be harder to clean because of the weighted ball, so you'll need a small brush.

Practical tips for switching from a trainer cup

When to switch from trainer cup to a regular cup or a different style depends on your child's progress. Most babies can start with a weighted straw cup around 6 months, then move to a pop-up trainer cup like the Bluey one between 12 and 18 months as their coordination improves. Offer the new cup alongside the familiar one for a few days, and model drinking from it yourself. If your child refuses, wait a week and try again. Always supervise, and check that all parts are clean and working properly.

Trade-offs at a glance

  • Bluey Pop Up Trainer Cup: Fun character design and pop-up straw that stays clean, but requires more coordination to open and is best for toddlers who already sip well. Choose this if your child is 12+ months, loves Bluey, and can use a straw with little help.
  • Weighted Straw Cup: Weighted straw works from any angle, making it easier for babies to drink independently, but cleaning the weighted parts takes extra effort. Choose this as a first straw cup for babies around 6 months who are transitioning from bottle or breast.
  • When to switch: Start with a weighted straw cup for early sipping, then move to a pop-up trainer cup like the Bluey one once your toddler can tilt and sip confidently. Reassess every few weeks; most children switch between 12 and 18 months.

Product facts

  • Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is a pop-up book signed by Robert Sabuda, first edition, with color pop-up illustrations on every page. A collectible pop-up book can be a special gift for older children or collectors, but it is not a sippy cup and is not suitable for babies.
  • Alphabreaths: The ABCs of Mindful Breathing: Alphabreaths: The ABCs of Mindful Breathing teaches children ABCs and mindfulness through playful exercises and vivid illustrations. This picture book supports calm-down routines and early literacy, which can complement a toddler's daily schedule but does not replace a drinking cup.

Which cup fits your child?

Best for

  • Babies around 6 months who are just starting with a straw cup and need to drink from any angle.
  • Parents who want a first cup that supports independent drinking with minimal tilting.
  • Toddlers who are not yet motivated by character-themed cups.

Not for

  • Toddlers who already sip well and would be frustrated by a weighted straw's cleaning needs.
  • Families who prefer a cup with a pop-up straw for cleanliness and character appeal.
  • Children under 6 months or those who are not yet ready for straw drinking.