Parent's Guide: Tumblers with Lids and Straws

"Tumblers are typically any flat-bottomed drinking glass without a stem or handle," explains Amy Johnson, a parenting expert behind the blog AmyBabys. "Adult tumblers for travel still fit this definition, but when I think of tumblers with lids and straws, I think of kids."

Tumblers are equipped with various features, including insulation and built-in straws. However, when shopping for tumblers for kids, Johnson says that one of the most important features is a screw-on, spill-proof lid.

"Screw-on lids mean children have a much more difficult time opening, and juice stays where it should, in the tumbler," she says. " When it comes to straws, built-in straws are often soft and flexible."

Johnson also suggests choosing tumblers with silicone straws instead of plastic ones because they are safer for children. The only downside is that kids might chew on the silicone straws.

Benefits of using tumblers with kids and straws

Self-feeding skills

According to Dr. Alexis Monique Javier from Children’s Memorial Hermann Pediatrics, tumblers with lids and straws are great for kids because they promote independence and self-feeding.

"When children use a tumbler, they learn to drink on their own, which helps them develop key skills like holding and drinking from the tumbler," she says.

Encourages hydration

Water tumblers can be a great tool for encouraging kids to drink enough water. Dr. Javier explains, "If a child gets to choose their own tumbler or if it has fun, colourful designs, it can motivate them to stay well-hydrated throughout the day."

Reduces spills and messes

Using tumblers with lids and straws can also reduce spills and mess. Johnson states, "The most important quality I look for in a tumbler is spill-proofing. Kids frequently knock things over, including drink containers, so having a spill-proof tumbler with a lid and straw is very valuable."

Types of tumblers with lids and straws

Tumblers differ in terms of materials, features, and sizes. However, these are the most common products on the market.

Tumbler cups with straws

Tumbler cups with straws are available in various materials and sizes. However, they share a common design—a built-in straw for convenient drinking and spill prevention. This makes them ideal choices for kids, as the straw helps minimize messes while encouraging proper hydration.

Small tumblers for younger children

Although these water bottles don't hold as much liquid, their smaller size makes them perfect for young children. Tumblers often have lids and straws to prevent spills, and they are made tough so kids can carry them easily. A tumbler with a cover can also enhance its grip, making it more comfortable for kids to hold.

Insulated tumblers

Johnson says that insulated tumblers are excellent for maintaining the perfect temperature of drinks. She tells Today's Parent, "If your school-going kids prefer tumblers over water bottles and need to keep their beverages hot or cold throughout the day, a good insulated tumbler with straw might be something they would enjoy."

Tumblers with no handles

Johnson says, "Tumblers with no handles are good for two reasons. First, they help young kids practice gripping and using the little muscles in their hands properly. Second, my little one can't swing a handleless cup around and accidentally whack his big sister in the head like he sometimes does with cups that have handles."

Tumbler with straw and handle

Johnson recommends tumblers with handles for young athletes. She says, "I like handles that can be taken off. This way, my kids can choose to use the handle." Johnson adds, "Parents can try giving bottles with handles to younger kids, but they may struggle. As long as kids can hold a bottle without spilling, they should be able to use a small tumbler."

Water cup with lid and straw

"Parents need to watch out for water cups with lids and straws a little more than regular cups," Johnson explains. "Spills will happen when kids use water cups with lids and straws, so we only let our kids use them right before bed when a parent can make sure they drink properly."

Factors to consider when choosing a tumbler

Age and developmental stage of the child

According to Dr. Javier, parents need to consider the child's age and developmental stage when selecting a tumbler water bottle for their children. "If the child is not old enough or developmentally mature enough to use a tumbler, trying to introduce one too early could pose a choking risk," she explains.

Materials

When selecting tumblers, it's crucial to consider the materials used in their construction. Cally Edgren, an expert in product materials compliance and PFAS, advises that many professionals recommend opting for stainless steel or silicone materials for children's drinking containers.

"Additionally, it's wise to choose water bottles free of BPA, PVC, and heavy metals, and have been tested and approved by agencies such as NSF, CPSC, or the FDA," Edgren tells Today's Parent. "Beyond the bottle's main body, it's essential to examine the materials used for the spout and other components. Silicone is the preferred choice, but if plastic is present, polypropylene is the best option, while ABS plastic should be avoided."

Capacity and size

Tumblers come in a range of sizes, and this can influence how much liquid they can hold. While grown-ups might prefer larger tumblers to ensure they drink enough water each day, children should select the right size products for their age. Smaller bottles are also easier for little kids to grip, reducing the chances of any drops, spills, or mishaps.

Ease of cleaning and maintenance

Considering the frequent use of your tumbler, choosing one that is effortless to clean and maintain is crucial. Opting for easy-to-clean products not only safeguards against germs and mold but also ensures your bottle lasts longer. When selecting a tumbler, go for dishwasher-safe models with removable lids and straws, enabling a more comprehensive cleaning routine.

Durability and longevity

Tumblers are practical everyday items, so it's worth investing in one that will stand the test of time. As you shop, look for tumblers made with durable materials that are unlikely to crack or shatter, even with frequent use. Additional features, such as leak-proof lids, sturdy straws, and scratch-resistant coatings, can further enhance the tumbler's longevity, making it a reliable choice for years.

Top tumbler brands and products

Munchkin Miracle 360 Cup Toddler Sippy Cup

This spill-proof, BPA-free, and dishwasher-safe Munchkin water bottle is perfect for active toddlers. It has a valve-free design that makes cleaning easy, and it's dentist-approved, so it's safe on teeth. It also holds 10 ounces of water and comes in fun colors, making it a great choice for kids.

Parents rave about this cup's durability and easy cleanup. #DobieLife, a verified Amazon customer, writes, "Easy to clean and assemble. Two-year-old feels like she's all grown up with this cup. It has hit the floor several times with no issues, not even a dribble. Love it, love it, love it!"

Contigo AutoSeal Trekker Kids Water Bottle 2-Pack

These leak-proof tumbler cups with lids are made from a safe plastic called polypropylene that doesn't contain BPA, so they are good for your child's health. The cups also have a shape that is easy for little hands to hold, making it easy for your child to drink. And cleaning is super easy – just put them in the dishwasher.

Thermos Funtainer Stainless Steel Straw Bottle

This insulated stainless steel cup is a fantastic choice for kids to use at school or camp, as it keeps drinks chilled for an impressive 12 hours. Its design is incredibly user-friendly, with small hands in mind. Cleaning is a breeze, making this cup a must-have summer companion for your little ones.

Parents also rave about this water bottle, praising its versatility for kids of all ages. Cass4, a verified Amazon customer, writes, "They're small enough around that my kids' hands can hold them without much effort. It's a little small for my 7 yo, which I wondered about, but we kept it because it still works daily. It's large enough for my 4yo. The handle makes it easy to carry, even for a toddler. And the release button is easy for them to press. It all comes apart well and washes and assembles easily. My favourite part is that it can go in the dishwasher!"

CamelBak eddy Kids Water Bottle

The CamelBak 12oz water bottle is a great option for those looking for a small, lidded tumbler. It is made from BPA-free plastic, is lightweight, and comes in 9 fun designs. The bottle features a Big Bite Valve with a stem tube and shut-off valve for easy drinking. It is also dishwasher-safe for simple cleaning.

Zak Designs Toddlerific Perfect Flo Toddler Cup

These durable, leak-proof cups with straws are ideal for toddlers and young children. The fun character designs will encourage kids to use the cups, and the convenient size and spill-proof features make them perfect for on-the-go use.

Parents also say this cup is the best way to switch your toddler from a sippy cup to a tumbler. Sarah, a verified customer, writes, "This toddler no-spill straw cup is a game-changer for parents on the go. Featuring a secure lid and straw design, it prevents leaks and spills while allowing little ones to enjoy their drinks independently. Durable, easy to clean, and loved by both parents and toddlers alike!"

Pura Kiki Waterbottle

This water bottle is designed with safety in mind, using stainless steel and medical-grade silicone materials. It has a capacity of 11 ounces and comes in four colour options. The bottle's versatility is its standout feature, as it can be easily transformed into an infant bottle, sippy cup, sports/water bottle, or snack container.

This water bottle is also not without reviewer praise. Kalia Savage, a verified Amazon customer, writes, "My 1.5-year-old loves this bottle. We’ve been using it for a couple of months now. It’s easy for her to hold, and the mouthpiece makes it easy to suck from."

Hydro Flask Kids 12 Oz Tumbler With Straw And Boot Seaspray

The Hydro Flask water bottle, suitable for ages three and up, boasts vacuum insulation to keep beverages at the desired temperature for hours. It features a secure, splash-resistant Press-In Straw Lid with a flexible straw for easy use and is made from durable 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel, ensuring a pure taste with no flavour transfer.

Tumblers are great because you can use them over and over again and clean them easily at home. If you want to put your tumbler in the dishwasher, make sure it is safe to do so. But if your tumbler can't go in the dishwasher, or if you need to hand wash some parts or straws, Edgren suggests buying a special brush made for cleaning bottles and straws.

"You can also sanitize hand-washed cups by boiling them in water for 5 minutes," suggests Edgren. "However, no matter if you wash by hand or in the dishwasher, make sure all the parts are completely dry before putting your tumbler back together to prevent mold from growing."

Transitioning from Sippy Cups to Tumblers 

If your toddler is ready to ditch the sippy cup and upgrade to a tumbler, Dr. Javier shares these easy tips to ensure a stress-free transition.

Be Consistent

According to Dr. Javier, consistency and patience are key as you guide your toddler from using sippy cups to regular tumblers. "Bring the tumbler to every meal and demonstrate how to use it to your child," she advises.

Be a Model

Children often learn by watching others, so Dr. Javier recommends demonstrating how to drink from a tumbler cup. "Once you've finished using the tumbler, hand it to your baby and see if they attempt to drink from it themselves," advises Dr. Javier.

Change the Environment

If your child is reluctant to use the tumbler during mealtimes, Dr. Javier recommends altering the context in which you introduce it. "You could encourage your child to practice with the tumbler during playtime outdoors or while traveling in the car," she says.

Practice

Dr. Javier advises parents to be patient and allow their children to get messy when transitioning from sippy cups to tumblers, as this is a crucial step in their development. For those who struggle with spills, she suggests filling the tumbler with a small amount of liquid, like half an ounce or one ounce, to facilitate practice and improvement. By doing so, children can hone their skills and eventually master the use of tumblers.

Experts

• Amy Johnson, a parenting expert behind the blog AmyBabys
• Dr. Alexis Monique Javier, pediatrician, Children’s Memorial Hermann Pediatrics
• Cally Edgren, a product materials compliance and PFAS expert at Assent