Safest Sippy Cup Materials: Silicone, Steel & More

There is no single safest material for every child, but food-grade silicone and stainless steel are practical choices because they are durable and do not rely on a plastic cup body. Glass is another option, although its weight and potential to break make close supervision especially important; whichever material you choose, a cup with loose parts, cracks, or damaged drinking surfaces is not a safe choice.

Silicone is soft and flexible, which may suit a child learning to hold a cup, while stainless steel is sturdy but can feel heavier in small hands. Glass lets you see what remains inside, and plastic is lightweight, but material alone cannot tell you whether a particular cup is appropriate: its condition, parts, and intended age range matter, too.

Choose a cup intended for your child’s developmental stage, and make sure its lid, spout, straw, or other removable pieces are securely attached and cannot become a choking hazard. Follow the maker’s cleaning and temperature instructions, wash parts that touch drinks thoroughly, and replace the cup or affected parts if you find tears, cracks, or trapped residue.

A cup your child can comfortably grip and drink from is more useful than one selected by material alone, so consider its weight, drinking opening, and how easily you can take it apart for cleaning. Our Penguin-Shaped Silicone Baby Sippy Cup guide covers a silicone option; our team recommends weighing the same fit, condition, and care considerations with any cup you choose.