Sippy Spouts vs Toddler Cups: When to Make the Switch

Quick answer

Start with a sippy spout if your baby already drinks from a Dr. Brown's Options+ Narrow Neck Bottle—it's the least disruptive way to introduce cup drinking. Move to a 360° toddler cup once your baby can sit steadily and shows interest in sipping from an open rim. Most babies are ready for the spout around 6 months and the 360° cup between 9 and 12 months.

Decision rules: which cup to choose

• If your baby already uses Dr. Brown's Options+ Narrow Neck Bottle: Choose the Dr Brown's Options+ Narrow Neck Bottle Sippy Spouts (2-Pack). They replace the teat and vent, turning the familiar bottle into a sippy cup with no new body to learn. Best for a gradual, low-cost transition from 6 months.
• If your baby is ready to sip from an open rim and needs a cup for outings: Choose the Dr Brown's Milestones Cheers360 Cup, 7oz/200ml, Pink. The 360° valve and handles make it easy to hold and drink from any edge without spills. Best for babies around 9–12 months who are sitting unsupported.
• If your toddler drinks larger amounts and you want fewer refills: Choose the Dr Brown's Milestones Cheers360 Cup, 10oz/300ml, Pink. The bigger capacity suits longer days out and toddlers who finish a cup in one sitting. Best for toddlers 12 months+ who are confident with a 360° cup.

Product facts

• Dr Brown's Options+ Narrow Neck Bottle Sippy Spouts (2-Pack): Turn your Dr Brown’s Options+ Narrow Neck Bottle into a sippy bottle for easy bottle-to-cup transition for baby. Take the bottle baby is familiar with and turn it into a sippy cup, with Dr Brown’s Milestones Options+ Sippy Spout. Remove Dr Brown’s Options+ vent and replace the current bottle teat with the Sippy Spout for gradual learning. The simple-to-sip spout is 100% silicone and assembles in seconds. If you already use the Options+ Narrow Neck Bottle, this is the least disruptive first step—same bottle your baby knows, just a different top. It only works with that specific bottle, so check your bottle model before buying.
• Dr Brown's Milestones Cheers360 Cup, 7oz/200ml, Pink: Help your toddler take the next step in their independent drinking journey with the Dr. Brown’s Milestones Cheers360 Spoutless Transition Cup with Handles in a charming light pink design! This toddler-friendly training cup makes learning to sip like a big kid easier than ever, thanks to its spill-free 360-degree design and easy-to-hold handles. 360° Spill-Free Sipping – The Sip-and-See clear silicone valve. The 360° valve lets your toddler sip from any edge, which builds the skills needed for an open cup. The handles help smaller hands grip, and the spill-free design makes it practical for travel and daily use.
• Dr Brown's Milestones Cheers360 Cup, 10oz/300ml, Pink: Make the transition from sippy cup to toddler cup smooth and spill-free with the light pink Dr. Brown’s Milestones Cheers360 Spoutless Transition Cup! Designed with independent sipping in mind, this 360-degree toddler cup allows little ones to sip from any edge, without the mess. 360° Spill-Free Design – The Sip-and-See clear silicone valve. Supports Natural Drinking Skills. Grows with Your... The 10oz size holds more liquid, so it's better for toddlers who drink larger amounts between refills. The same 360° spill-free design supports natural drinking skills as your child gains confidence.

Fit guidance

Best for

• Babies 6 months+ who already use the Options+ Narrow Neck Bottle and need a gentle first cup step
• Parents who want to avoid buying a separate cup system and prefer to reuse the bottle they already own
• Toddlers 9–12 months+ who can sit unsupported and show interest in drinking from a rim

Not for

• Babies who are not yet holding a bottle or sitting unsupported—stick with the bottle until those skills appear
• Families using wide-neck or glass bottles, because the sippy spouts only fit the Options+ Narrow Neck Bottle
• Toddlers who need a fully leak-proof cup for rough play—no valve is completely immune to spills if dropped