Grabease 2021 new product: Big Kids Utensils Set and Cup Set

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You must know Grabease - the first infamous ergonomic utensils brand. After launching toothbrush, all-over bibs, and silicone bowl last year, this year Grabease has launched utensils set for bigger kids and sippy & straw convertible cup set. In this article we will give you a quick introduction about these 2 new comers.

 

Spoutless sippy & straw convertible cup set

Includes clear cup, silicone sippy lid, straw, cleaning brush & mini open cup

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Grabease created a cup that offers 3 options of use, as we never know what will suit our little one best. Some do great with a straw, while others prefer sippy cups. Grabease cup set helps baby transition from one stage to another.

Grabease consulted with occupational therapists and feeding specialists to come up with the perfect cup with toddlers' perspectives in mind.

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Clear cup is designed to allow baby to see what they are drinking. When your little one is able to see the liquid in the cup, visual feedback helps them understand that the liquid is pouring into their mouth as they tilt their cup. The textured pattern enhances grasp sensory awareness, and when your little one is able to see the liquid in the cup, visual feedback helps them understand that the liquid is pouring into their mouth as they tilt their cup.

The food grade silicone lid and straw are resistant to all bacteria, odors, and stains. Use the included straw cleaning brush to thoroughly clean the straw after use.

Product basic information:

  • Available colors: Teal, Blush, Gray

  • Suitable for 6+ months

  • BPA-free, phthalate-free, lead and pvc-free

  • Dishwasher safe.

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Stainless steel fork, knife & spoon set

aka big kids utensils

As Grabease family grew larger, they were asked to develop the next stage of ergonomic utensils. Grabease 2.0 includes a thinner handle with grooved finger guides to encourage proper pencil-like grasp. The trio set includes a fork, spoon, and knife with a curved tip for safe self-use.

Grabease big kids utensils set is ergonomically designed to safely nurture independence in little ones ready to meet their next self-feeding developmental milestone. Using this set will also help strengthen their fingers while encouraging proper pencil grasp development. Recommended by occupational therapists and feeding specialists, Grabease utensils are the perfect learning tool for baby led weaning and beyond!

Product basic information:

  • Available colors: Teal, Blush, Gray

  • BPA-free, phthalate-free, lead and pvc-free

  • FDA-tested safe

  • Suitable for 18+months

  • Dishwasher safe.

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A Parent's Guide to Choosing the Best Straw Cup for Your Baby

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Editor's Note:

This article was originally a "best of" list from 2021. To provide more timeless and useful advice, it has been updated to be a comprehensive guide on the features to look for when choosing the perfect straw cup for your baby's developmental needs.

 

Choosing the right cup for your baby can feel overwhelming when you’re standing in front of a wall of 30+ options. But whether you like it or not, it's a must-do job. Pediatricians recommend weaning your baby from the bottle and switching to a cup around 12 months old. This is crucial for supporting appropriate oral motor skill development, as it helps them exercise their facial muscles, tongue, and soft palate—all of which are connected to speech and feeding.

The Big Debate: Sippy Cup vs. Straw Cup

Before you choose a cup, it's important to understand why experts have a clear preference.

Just like with a bottle, a baby places their tongue at the front of their mouth to suckle from a traditional hard-spout sippy cup. For this reason, many pediatricians and speech and language pathologists now recommend straw cups over sippy cups. With a straw, your baby learns the more mature skill of pulling their tongue to the back of their mouth when they drink. This helps them develop a proper swallowing pattern that they will use for the rest of their lives.

How to Choose the Best Straw Cup: A Checklist

Instead of focusing on brands, focus on these key features that make a straw cup effective, safe, and easy to use.

1. A Weighted Straw

This is the most important feature for beginners. A flexible straw with a weighted end will anchor itself in the liquid, allowing your child to get a sip from any angle, even when the cup is tilted. This dramatically reduces frustration.

2. Spill-Proof vs. Easy-to-Sip (Valve vs. No Valve)

  • Spill-Proof (Valve): Many cups have a valve in the straw to prevent leaks. This is great for travel but can be difficult for a new learner to suck from.

  • Easy-to-Sip (No Valve): A valve-free straw is not spill-proof, but it's much easier for a baby to learn with. It's also the best choice for thicker drinks like smoothies.

3. Safe, High-Quality Materials

Always ensure the cup is made from safe materials. Look for labels that explicitly state the product is free of BPA, BPS, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals. The cup itself might be durable polypropylene plastic or even stainless steel. The straw should be made from soft, medical-grade silicone that is gentle on your baby's gums.

4. Easy-to-Hold Handles

Look for cups with handles that are ergonomically designed for little hands. This promotes independence and helps your child master the coordination required to hold, lift, and drink all by themselves. Bonus points if the handles are detachable for easy packing in a diaper bag.

5. Hygiene and Ease of Cleaning

A cup is only as good as how easy it is to clean. Look for cups with minimal parts that are dishwasher safe. An attached or swivel-top lid is a great feature for keeping the straw clean when you're on the go. A straw-cleaning brush is an essential accessory, so it's a huge plus if one is included.

6. Insulation (A Nice Bonus)

For long days out or for parents in warmer climates, consider a cup with vacuum insulation. A durable stainless steel, insulated cup can keep beverages cold and fresh for hours, which can be a lifesaver on a hot day.

Sippy Cup vs. Straw Cup: Which is Better for Your Baby's Development?

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Editor's Note:

Please be aware that BabyLux no longer distributes Lollacup products. We have updated this article to serve as a comprehensive guide to help parents navigate the transition from a bottle to a cup, a key developmental milestone.

To explore our current selection of high-quality products from our trusted brand partners, please click here.

 

As your baby grows, one of the big transitions is moving away from the breast or bottle. For years, the traditional spill-proof sippy cup was the go-to choice. However, many parents find that their babies struggle to sip from these cups. More importantly, a growing number of experts are recommending a different tool for this important milestone: the straw cup.

Learning to drink from a straw helps babies develop the muscles in and around their face and mouth. These are the same muscles that are crucial for developing skills in biting, chewing, and eventually, talking.

The Great Debate: Sippy Cup or a Straw?

If you conduct a basic internet search, you'll find a slew of articles from speech and language pathologists, pediatricians, and dentists recommending straw cups over traditional sippy cups.

The reason is simple and it's all about tongue position. With a straw cup, a baby learns the mature skill of pulling their tongue to the back of their mouth when they drink. Conversely, many sippy cups with hard spouts encourage a less mature, bottle-like sucking pattern where the tongue stays forward. Promoting a mature swallowing pattern is beneficial for oral development and can help with the transition to clear speech.

What to Look for in a High-Quality Starter Straw Cup

When you're ready to make the switch, not all straw cups are created equal. Here's a checklist of what to look for to ensure you're getting a functional, safe, and easy-to-use cup for your toddler:

  • Weighted Straw: This is a key feature! A weighted end allows the straw to follow the liquid, so your child can drink from any angle without frustration.

  • Valve-Free Straw: While valves prevent spills, they can make it difficult for a new learner to get liquid out. A non-valved straw is often easier for babies to master.

  • Safety First Materials: Ensure the cup is made from FDA-approved materials and is explicitly free from BPA/BPS, PVC, and Phthalates.

  • Easy to Clean: Look for cups with minimal parts that are easy to assemble and disassemble. A cup that comes with its own straw-cleaning brush is a huge plus for hygiene.

  • Right Size: A cup that holds around 200-300 ml (7-10 oz) is typically a great starting size for toddlers.

  • Handles: Easy-to-grip handles help little hands hold the cup securely, promoting independence.

How to Teach Your Baby to Drink From a Straw

While some babies take to a straw instantly, others need a little practice. Try this gentle method:

  1. Dip the bottom of the straw into a cup with water or milk.

  2. Place your finger over the top end of the straw to trap the liquid inside.

  3. Bring the bottom of the straw to your baby's mouth and release your finger, letting a small amount of liquid flow in. This shows them that liquid comes from the straw.

  4. After a few tries, offer them the cup. They should instinctively begin to seal their lips and suck.

Be patient! While some little ones get the hang of it around 9-12 months, others might master the skill closer to 18 months. Every child learns at their own pace.

Ready to Make the Transition?

Choosing the right cup can make the transition from the bottle smoother for your baby and support their healthy oral development.

Hi Lollacup, the modern straw cup! Bye-bye to sippy cup!