How to Choose the Right Cup for Every Stage

Learning to drink from a cup is one of the many exciting milestones in early childhood. Like learning to crawl or feed themselves, every child reaches it in their own time.

The good news is there isn't one "perfect" cup. The best choice depends on your child's age, confidence and where they are in their drinking journey.

At Jade and May, we love Re-Play tableware because it offers practical options that grow with your child, from first sips through to independent drinking.

Here's a simple guide to choosing the right cup for every stage.

Stage 1: First Independent Sips

For many babies, the first step away from a bottle is learning to drink from a cup with extra support.

A Re-Play tiny sippy cup or sippy cup is designed with easy-grip handles and a spill-resistant lid, making it comfortable for little hands while helping reduce mess during those early attempts.

This stage is all about practising. Expect a few spills along the way, and remember that every little sip is helping your child build confidence.

Stage 2: Learning to Drink Like a Big Kid

Once your child becomes more confident, many families begin introducing an open cup.

The Re-Play Tiny Tumbler with Lid is a wonderful transition option.

The removable training lid helps guide drinking while reducing spills, and once your child is ready, simply remove the lid to create a small open cup that's perfectly sized for little hands.

Because it's lightweight and durable, parents don't have to worry about breakages if it's accidentally dropped from the table.

Stage 3: Drinking on the Go

As toddlers become more active, many families like having a cup that's easy to pop into the pram, lunch bag or nappy bag.

A Re-Play Straw Cup encourages independent drinking while keeping drinks contained when you're out and about.

It's a practical option for busy days at the playground, daycare or family outings

Why Cup Size Matters

Children don't need oversized drink bottles or heavy cups.

Smaller cups are easier to hold, encourage independence and help develop coordination without becoming tiring for little arms.

That's one of the reasons we love the Re-Play range. Every cup has been thoughtfully designed with children in mind, making it easier for little hands to grip and carry.

Choosing Safe Everyday Tableware

When buying children's drinkware, it's worth looking beyond colour and design.

We recommend choosing cups that are:

• BPA free

• PVC free

• Phthalate free

• Durable enough for everyday use

• Dishwasher safe

• Lightweight for little hands

Re-Play cups tick every one of these boxes.

They're proudly made in the USA from FDA-approved, food-safe recycled plastic, with many products crafted from recycled milk jugs that have been given a second life.

There's No "Right" Age

One question parents often ask is:

"When should my child move to the next cup?"

The answer is simple: whenever they're ready.

Some children confidently drink from an open cup earlier than others, while some prefer the familiarity of a sippy cup for a little longer.

Rather than focusing on a specific age, look for signs that your child is becoming more coordinated, curious and interested in copying the people around them.

Every child develops differently, and that's completely normal.

Our Favourite Re-Play Cups

Depending on your child's stage, we'd recommend:

• Re-Play Sippy Cup for first independent drinks.

• Re-Play Tiny Tumbler with Lid for practising open-cup drinking.

• Re-Play Straw Cup for active toddlers and families on the go.

Each cup is designed to make the transition a little easier while standing up to the bumps, drops and busy moments of everyday family life.

Growing With Your Child

One of the reasons families return to Re-Play tableware again and again is that the collection grows with them.

From bowls and divided plates to cutlery and cups, every piece is made to simplify everyday meals while reducing waste through thoughtfully designed, long-lasting products.

Whether your little one is taking their very first sip or confidently asking for a refill, there's a Re-Play cup designed to support the next stage of their journey.