I have twins who are at-risk for speech language issues due to prematurity. Our speech language pathologist absolutely forbade us to use sippy cups because the tongue does not retract while drinking -- a skill needed to produce proper sounds when speaking. (Sippy cups are getting a bad rep for this reason.) So, we bought these straw cups with her approval and have been happily using them exclusively since about 10 months of age. As a plus, you can sip a liquidy smoothie through the straw which lets us have neat and clean meals on the go. (A bit of whole milk yogurt, banana, stawberries, blueberries, and a handful of prewashed spinach makes a complete and surprisingly delicious meal.) I can also see my twins using this well past the age when sippy cups become labeled a baby item.
Two negatives: We do not use the flip piece at home since it's an extra part to attach. The cup does sometimes leak a bit if laying on its side. Also if a baby lets the flexible straw fly while milk is still in it. I recommend buying the Dr. Browns pipe cleaner tool if you plan to wash the cup by hand.Get more detail about Munchkin Mighty Grip 10 oz Flip Straw Cup.
