Stage 2 is where a straw takes over from a spout, and for most children around nine months that is the easier lesson of the two. Nothing has to be tipped and no head tilt has to be learned; the child sucks and the drink comes, so they get the independence without the puddle. Playtex contour these cups through the middle rather than leaving them straight sided, which is what lets a small hand actually hold one and control how much comes up the straw. They are the non insulated version, so they are light in a bag and quick to rinse. Playtex guarantee them spill proof, break proof and leak proof. Two cups in the pack, 9 oz each, one purple with a green lid and one pink with a navy lid. BPA free and dishwasher safe.

The same Stage 2 two-pack comes in blue and green. One step back is Stage 1, the soft spout trainer from 4 months; one step on is Stage 4, the insulated sport spout cup from 24 months.