Quick answer

Nuby's Silicone Stacking Cups are a versatile developmental toy that encourages fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, color recognition, and size sequencing. They are best for babies around 6 months and up who are ready to grasp, stack, and explore cause and effect.

How stacking cups support development

Stacking cups are a classic open-ended toy that grows with your child. The Nuby Silicone Stacking Cups are designed to help babies practice grasping, releasing, and stacking—actions that build the fine motor control needed for later skills like self-feeding and writing. The different sizes and bright colors also introduce early math concepts like size comparison and color matching.

Silicone vs. plastic stacking cups

Silicone stacking cups offer a softer, more flexible feel that is gentler on baby's mouth and gums if they decide to chew. They are also easier for small hands to grip without slipping. Plastic cups can be harder and may crack over time. The tradeoff is that silicone can attract dust and lint, so you'll want to rinse them before each play session. Nuby's silicone version is BPA-free and easy to clean.

Decision rules for choosing stacking cups

  • Age range: Stacking cups are suitable from around 6 months when baby can sit and grasp. Younger babies may just mouth them; older toddlers can stack and sort. Check that the cups are large enough to prevent choking and have no small parts.
  • Material preference: Silicone is soft, flexible, and chewable—great for teething babies. Plastic is harder and may break, but can be cheaper. If baby puts everything in mouth, silicone is the safer choice.
  • Number of pieces: More pieces offer more stacking combinations and longer play. But too many can overwhelm a young baby. Nuby's set has a manageable number for beginners. Start with 5-7 pieces and add more as baby's skills grow.

Product facts at a glance

  • Silicone Stacking Cups: Make the most of playtime with Nuby’s Silicone Stacking Cups. Designed to help encourage cognitive development, the Silicone Stacking Cups help develop children’s fine motor skills, including developing the hand-eye coordination that will eventually help with future tasks like self-feeding. With engaging colors and various sized pieces, baby will hone color recognition and size sequencing skills while exercising… This means the cups do double duty: they entertain while building foundational skills. The variety of sizes and colors gives you multiple ways to play, from simple stacking to sorting games.
  • Twist Ball Teether: Shake things up with Nuby’s Twist Ball Teether. The Twist Ball Teether tames those teething blues while engaging baby’s fine motor skills. Featuring bright colors and fun sounds, the Twist Ball Teether stimulates baby’s senses and helps to develop dexterity and hand-eye coordination. Fun and engaging, the teether has textured surfaces that provide relief during tough teething times and is easy for baby to grasp and… If your baby is also teething, the Twist Ball Teether adds sensory stimulation with sound and texture while building similar fine motor skills. It's a good complementary toy to the stacking cups.

Who should buy silicone stacking cups?

Best for

  • Parents who want a multi-skill toy that grows with baby from 6 months to 18+ months
  • Babies who are teething and need a safe, soft toy to chew on

Not ideal for

  • Parents looking for a toy with lights, sounds, or electronic features
  • Older toddlers (2+) who need more complex construction toys like building blocks