Quick answer
Choose the Bumkins Silicone Straw Cup if your toddler is ready for spill-resistant straw drinking; pick the Silicone Starter Cup if you want an open cup for early sipping practice.
Why cup design matters for toddler drinking
Toddlers learn drinking skills in stages. A cup that matches their current ability makes the transition from bottles smoother and less messy. The right design can reduce spills, support grip, and control liquid flow to prevent choking.
Bumkins offers two distinct cups for different stages: the Silicone Straw Cup with Lid and the Silicone Starter Cup. Both are made from soft, durable silicone, but they serve different purposes. Understanding these differences helps you pick the one that fits your child's needs.
Key differences between the two cups
The Silicone Straw Cup features a spill-resistant lid with a coffee-style spout or a straw option, plus a built-in stopper to prevent the straw from being pulled out. Its sloped interior controls liquid flow for safer sipping.
The Silicone Starter Cup is a two-ounce open cup with textured ridges for easy gripping. Its sloped interior also helps control flow, but there is no lid—so spills are possible. It is designed for supervised early practice.
Trade-offs between the two cups
- Spill resistance: The Straw Cup has a lid that reduces spills; the Starter Cup is open and will spill if tipped over. If you prioritize mess-free use, the Straw Cup is better for on-the-go or less supervised drinking.
- Drinking skill required: The Straw Cup works for toddlers who can already suck from a straw; the Starter Cup is for beginners learning to sip from an open rim. Choose the Straw Cup for straw practice, the Starter Cup for open-cup introduction.
- Portability and size: The Straw Cup comes with a lid and is designed for travel; the Starter Cup holds only 2 ounces and is best used at home during supervised meals. The Straw Cup is more portable; the Starter Cup is compact but needs careful handling.
Product facts
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Silicone Straw Cup with Lid: Pink: The Silicone Straw Cup with Lid has a spill-resistant design with a sloped interior and a straw that angles for smoother suction. This makes it ideal for toddlers who can already handle a straw but need less mess during independent drinking.
Silicone Straw Cup with Lid: Pink
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Silicone Starter Cup: Blue: The Silicone Starter Cup is a two-ounce open cup with textured ridges for easy gripping and a sloped interior to control liquid flow. It helps babies transition from bottles to open cups by offering a small, easy-to-hold size that limits the amount of liquid at once.
Silicone Starter Cup: Blue
Which cup fits your toddler?
Best for
- Toddlers ready for straw drinking who need spill resistance
- Parents looking for a travel-friendly cup with less mess
Not for
- Babies just starting open-cup practice—choose the Starter Cup instead
- Situations where a completely leak-proof cup is required (the Straw Cup is spill-resistant, not leak-proof)
