How to Use the Mepal Mio 360° Trainer Cup for Easy Transition
By Mepal | Clever products for every moment in your life. | Mepal | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use the Mepal Mio 360° trainer cup to help your child transition from bottle to cup. Step-by-step instructions for a spill-proof, leakproof sippy cup experience.
Quick answer
The Mepal Mio 360° trainer cup is designed to stay closed until your child drinks, making the transition from bottle to cup mess-free. Follow these simple steps to introduce it successfully.
Why the 360° design helps with transition
Traditional sippy cups often require your child to tilt their head back or suck hard, which can be frustrating. The Mepal Mio 360° trainer cup lets your little one drink from any angle, just like a regular cup, but without the spills. This makes it a natural next step after a bottle.
When to start using the trainer cup
Most babies are ready to start cup training around 6 to 9 months, when they can sit up with support and show interest in what you're drinking. The Mepal Mio 200 ml size is ideal for small hands and small thirsts. If your child is younger or not yet sitting, wait a few weeks before introducing it.
Step-by-step: Introducing the Mepal Mio 360° Trainer Cup
- Step 1: Fill and assemble correctly: Fill the cup with a small amount of your child's usual drink (breast milk, formula, or water). Screw the 360° lid on tightly until you hear a click. Check that the silicone seal sits flat inside the lid. Common mistake: overfilling. Fill only about 1/3 to 1/2 full to reduce weight and prevent leaking if the cup tips.
- Step 2: Demonstrate how to drink: Hold the cup to your own lips and take a sip while your child watches. Then gently guide the cup to their mouth, tilting it slightly so the rim touches their lower lip. Let them explore the sensation of the silicone edge. Don't force the cup into their mouth. Let them take the lead; some babies need several tries before they understand the sucking action.
- Step 3: Practice with supervised play: Place the cup on the high chair tray during meals and let your child pick it up and explore it. The 360° design means they can drink from any side, so don't worry about positioning. Stay close to help them guide the cup. Expect some spills at first. The cup is leakproof when not in use, but if your child tips it while drinking, a few drops may escape. That's normal and part of learning.
- Step 4: Gradually increase independence: Once your child can drink a few sips without help, start offering the cup at every meal. Reduce bottle feeds one at a time, replacing them with cup drinks. The Mepal Mio 200 ml holds enough for a small serving without being too heavy. Don't rush. Some children take weeks to fully transition. Celebrate small wins like holding the cup with two hands or drinking without spilling.
Product facts
- 360° trainer cup Mepal Mio 200 ml - Little Dutch - Fairy Garden: The improved 360° drinking cup: leakproof and even smarter. Stays closed until your child drinks – no more spills. You can hand the cup to your toddler without worrying about juice or milk ending up on the floor, which makes training less stressful for both of you.
360° trainer cup Mepal Mio 200 ml - Little Dutch - Fairy Garden
