A sippy cup is a training cup with a lid and spout, used to train babies in drinking water. The cup design was created by Richard Belanger in 1981 and sold to Playtex. The company released some of the earliest Sippy Cup designs. Even today, the original design is marketed under the Sipster brand. Parents typically use the cups to transition from bottle feeding or nursing to a regular cup. The cup design with snap lid and spout allows the child to drink without spilling. Using the cup helps improve hand-to-mouth coordination. Once the baby is comfortable with the cup, the spout is removed to train him to drink normally.

Parents generally decide when to introduce the cups to educate a baby. Some parents start at 5 to 6 months, while many wait until 7 to 9 months. Many parents introduce cups long after their baby’s first birthday.

Playtex sippy cups are available at all department and baby stores. The mugs are available in different colors and patterns. They have a unique valve system that regulates the flow of liquids and prevents most leaks. The glasses are of the best quality and their brand occupies most of the market. Playtex has licensed the valve system used in these cups. The valves form a strong seal when the child is not drinking, yet it is flexible enough to be used by very young babies. Children from 6 months can also easily drink from these cups. Tapered base cup design forms an easy-to-hold grip. Another unique feature of the cup is its insulation. Drinks stay cold for a long time. The only drawback that some people may find with Playtex cups is that they are more expensive than other brands on the market.