Review: 2 Handle Spill-Proof Gerber Cup

The 2 handle, spill-proof cup from Gerber is meant to be a sippy cup that is easy to pick up and handle. The handles have a soft, cushioned feel that may be easier to hold than a regular sippy-cup. The cup has a rubber stopper that is removed for cleaning and ensures a complete seal, avoiding messes that come from cheaper cups. This cup is meant to be a transition from breast or bottle to cup.

I must say that I have few good things to say about this cup. I appreciate it primarily for cosmetic reasons. The cups are brightly colored and nice to look at. If you buy more than one, you can mix and match the colors for a pleasing effect. The handles on the cups are cute and it's fun to watch your child pick it up and use it. I also like that the stoppers create a super-tight seal. I have never had a mess as a result of one of my children using these cups.

I have negative feelings towards this sippy cup for several reasons. First of all, if your child has been used to using a bottle, he may not transition easily to this cup. He has most likely learned how to hold his bottle himself, so his hands have already mastered the motions of encompassing a cup. Trying to teach him to hold handles is confusing and may not be successful. My first child never learned how to hold the handles on this cup and I eventually broke the cup away from the handles so he could use it (Yes, broke it--the handles are not removable). However, to be fair, I had two more cups like this give to me after my second child and she quickly learned to use it. The reason? She had been exclusively breastfed and never learned how to hold on to a bottle before. For her, learning to hold handles was just part of normal drinking.

Also, the 2 handle cups from Gerber are a pain to clean. Rather than being blunt and open at the base, these cups have an annoying little ridge that goes around the bottom of the inside of the cup. When you turn them over and look at them after several uses, you will see grime accumulating under the ridge. I find this extremely gross. I actually have to clean these cups with a Q-tip to erase the guilt that comes from using them. The lids and stoppers are just as bad, collecting grit in several little grooves and crannies.

Finally, these cups are expensive. You can easily spend close to $3 on one of them. If you and your child really like the cups, then it might be worth it. However, I found the Nubby cups to be much more affordable, ($.96 at Walmart) practical, and easy to clean.

If you are looking for a sippy cup to start transitioning your baby from bottle or breast to cup, skip the handled cups. It is much easier for your little one to put her little hands around a cup than to master gripping two separate handles. Also, by moving to a regular sippy cup, you can avoid the added expense and cleaning hassle that comes with these Gerber cups.