What is the TalkTools® Itsy Cup?

The TalkTools® Itsy™ Cup is an all-in-one cup for learning to drink independently. You can configure it for straw or open-cup use as skills grow. Dual handles add stability; the sloped lid channels liquid into the mouth to reduce spills and minimize neck extension.

In feeding-focused OPT programs, clinicians use the Itsy Cup. They help shape basic oral movements. These movements include lip rounding, tongue retraction, and jaw-lip-tongue coordination. The goal is to move from supported to independent drinking.

What’s included

• Cup (5 oz capacity with 1-oz volume lines; dual handles)
• Sloped lid (angled opening for easier sipping with less neck extension)
• Straw (short length; dual ends—one with sensory “ruffles”)
• Flange (acts as a lip block; reduces spills; enables liquid pumping)

How it works (in OPT)

Start with caregiver help. Use the sloped lid to give small, controlled sips. Next, add the short straw. Use the flange as a lip block to guide jaw opening and help the lips seal. Then, as the learner takes smooth, steady sips, remove the supports little by little. This step-by-step practice builds coordination for both straw and open-cup drinking.

Benefits & use cases

• Transitions from bottle/sippy to straw and open-cup drinking.
• Supports lip closure, lip rounding, and tongue retraction. 
• Sloped lid helps reduce spills and limits neck extension.
• Dual handles promote bilateral stability; volume lines help track intake.
• Complements tools like the Honey Bear andStraw Kit in stepwise programs.
  

Who it’s for

SLPs/SLTs, OTs, and trained caregivers teaching straw/open-cup drinking or targeting early oral-motor control. Use with activities matched to the developmental level and under adult supervision. (No medical claims or guarantees.)

How to use (quick start)

1. Pick your setup. Use the sloped lid for open-cup practice. Use the straw and flange for straw work.
2. Coach gentle, steady sips. Keep the head and neck straight. Do not tip the head back.
3. Use the flange as a lip block. It sets jaw opening and helps the lips seal. As skills improve, use them less.
4. Reduce your help over time. Switch parts as the control gets better.
5. Keep sessions short and positive. Stop if the child looks tired or upset.

Pro tip: If the child is new to straws, start with the Honey Bear so you can control the flow. Then switch back to the Itsy Cup for independent practice.

Care & safety

• Dishwasher- and microwave-safe LFGB platinum-grade silicone; BPA/BPS/PVC/phthalate-free. Performs best 32–212°F (0–100°C).
• Check the straw and parts regularly; replace if damaged.
• Use only as directed; adult supervision required. Store out of reach of young children.

Key takeaways

• Configurable, four-piece cup for straw and open-cup learning.
• Targets lip closure, tongue retraction, and efficient sipping.
• Sloped lid minimizes spills and neck extension; dual handles add stability.
• Clinic-ready, parent-friendly; pairs well with [Straw Kit] and [Honey Bear].
  

FAQs

Related terms

• Honey Bear: Controlled-flow straw cup to jump-start straw drinking.
• Straw Kit: Numbered straw hierarchy with lip blocks for graded sipping.
• Cut-Out Cups: Flexible cups that allow drinking without neck extension.
• Recessed Lid Cup: Two-handle cup with recessed lid to encourage lip closure/tongue retraction.
• Itsy Spoons: Ergonomic spoons from the Itsy Collection.
• Itsy Beginner Set: Starter bundle with cup, spoons, plate, bib, and more.

Resources

• Product page: TalkTools® Itsy Cup™ — features, specs, and color options.
• Itsy Collection overview: how the pieces support self-feeding progression. 

• Drinking tools collection: browse cups and straw tools used alongside Itsy.