Quick answer
For a first independent drinking cup, start with the Mepal Mio 360° trainer cup (200 ml) to teach sip-and-seal action, then move to the Mepal Mio straw cup (300 ml) for on-the-go hydration.
Why the 360° trainer cup is a great starting point
The 360° trainer cup lets your child drink from any edge, which mimics a regular cup but with a leakproof seal. This design helps toddlers learn to sip without tilting their head back, making the transition from bottle or breast smoother. The 200 ml capacity is perfect for small hands and short drinks at the table.
When the straw cup becomes the better choice
Once your toddler masters the 360° cup, the straw cup offers a larger 300 ml capacity and a familiar straw mechanism that many children find intuitive. It's also leakproof, so you can toss it in a diaper bag without worrying about spills. This cup is ideal for outings, car rides, or longer meals where you want to avoid refills.
Trade-offs at a glance
- 360° trainer cup (200 ml): Best for teaching independent sipping at home. The 360° edge encourages a natural drinking motion and is leakproof from any angle. Smaller capacity means more refills but less waste.
- Straw cup (300 ml): Ideal for on-the-go use. The straw is intuitive for many toddlers and the larger capacity reduces refills. Leakproof design lets you pack it without worry. Choose the straw cup when your child is ready for a bigger drink and you need portability.
- Transition order: Start with the 360° cup for controlled sips at the table, then introduce the straw cup for outings. Both cups are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean. Having both cups allows you to match the cup to the situation as your child's skills grow.
Product facts at a glance
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360° trainer cup Mepal Mio 200 ml- Sunshine & Rainbow: The 360° trainer cup helps children drink independently with a clever leakproof design that allows drinking from any angle without spilling. This means your toddler can learn to sip naturally without the frustration of spills, and you can relax during meal times.
360° trainer cup Mepal Mio 200 ml- Sunshine & Rainbow
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Straw cup Mepal Mio 300 ml Little Dutch - Little Farm: The straw cup has a 300 ml capacity and is leakproof, so you can pop it in your bag without worrying about drips and spills. The larger capacity and spill-proof design make it a reliable companion for trips, daycare, or any time you need a no-mess drink on the go.
Straw cup Mepal Mio 300 ml Little Dutch - Little Farm
Which cup fits your toddler?
Best for
- Toddlers making the first transition from bottle or breast: start with the 360° trainer cup for gentle learning.
- Active families who need a spill-proof drink for outings: the straw cup is the go-to choice.
Not for
- Parents who want a single cup for both home and travel: you may need both cups for different situations.
- Toddlers who already drink confidently from a straw: the 360° cup may feel redundant.
