Navigating The Best Feeding Choices: From Baby Bottles to Toddler Cups
When it comes to feeding infants and toddlers, choosing the right drinking containers is important for their safety and well-being. In a previous blog post, we discussed the pros and cons of glass and plastic baby bottles. Now, let’s delve into what you may want to consider when choosing drinking containers for toddler cups, and why plastic might actually be a better option for this age group.
Drinking Containers for Toddlers: Plastic vs. Glass
As toddlers transition from baby bottles to drinking cups, parents face the decision of choosing between plastic or glass containers. We were pro glass bottles for our baby, but here’s why we think plastic may be the better option for toddlers:
Why We Prefer Plastic Drinking Containers for Toddlers
Plastic cups and bottles offer several advantages for toddlers:
- Durability and Safety: Toddlers are known for their active and often clumsy behavior. Plastic drinking containers are lightweight and less likely to break when dropped, and if your toddlers are as active as ours, there’s a good chance of this happening. Whilst toddler cups made from glass are generally quite thick, there is still the possibility of them breaking and there is therefore an increased risk of accidents and injuries compared to plastic.
- Easier to use: Plastic cups with spill-proof lids and handles are far easier for toddlers to hold independently, which in turn, promotes the development of their self-feeding skills.
- Portability: Plastic containers are ideal for on-the-go use, as they are lightweight and less prone to breakage during travel or outdoor activities.
- BPA-Free Options: Most responsible manufacturers now offer BPA-free plastic drinking containers, reducing potential chemical exposure to the user. Always look for products labeled as “BPA-free” such as the Béaba toddler cups. Learn more about BPA here.
Final Thoughts and Other Options
Both glass and plastic toddler cups have their merits, and whilst glass bottles offer chemical-free properties, we feel plastic containers are generally safer for toddlers due to their lightweight, durable, and spill-proof designs. There is of course the third option of a silicone sippy cup, which are fine for around the home but not suitable for out and about.