Playtex Coolster Tumbler Cup

Bottom Line

The Playtex Coolster Tumbler Cup offers the look of a grown-up cup with the usability and convenience of a sippy cup. The Coolster doesn't have a spout to chew on, but it does have an interior valve that makes it spill-proof. The cup looks like it encourages adult-style drinking, yet kids have to tip the cup up and suck to draw liquid.

Ease Of Use

Straightforward, three-piece design. The Playtex Coolster Tumbler Cup has a relatively simple and easy-to-use design that includes a lid, a leakproof valve and the insulated bottle body. The cup is dishwasher-safe. Parents who have been cleaning endless bottle or sippy parts appreciate the straightforward design. While most parents say that the cup's locking lid is leakproof, there is feedback that over time this seal becomes less reliable.

According to parents, the Coolster's slightly hourglass shape is easy for kids to hold. Parents say that the cup is easy for kids from the recommended age of 2 and up to drink from. There are complaints from parents that the cup can be hard to open and that this issue develops over time.

Durability

Sturdy for toddler use and abuse. The Playtex Coolster Tumbler Cup is made with BPA- and phthalate-free plastics. Parents say that the double wall, insulated bottle is sturdy and withstands rough and tumble toddler handling -- including numerous drops, bangs and generalized abuse -- without breaking or shattering. In fact, Playtex offers a "Spill-Proof, Leak-Proof, and Break-Proof" money-back guarantee. Because the Coolster doesn't have a spout that sticks out, toddlers can't chew it off, something that dooms traditional sippy cups.

The Coolster has a water bottle-type opening, but the sippy lids and straw lids that fit other Playtex cups will work on the Coolster as well.

Lifestyle Features

An adult look with sippy functionality. Recommended for toddlers from 2 years old and up, the Playtex Coolster Tumbler Cup is a hit with kids who don't want to look like they are drinking from a sippy. However, as long as the leakproof valve is in, this cup functions like a regular sippy that requires sucking to draw out liquid. This design may be a plus for spill and mess wary parents, but it's not a good choice for parents who don't want their children using traditional sippy-type cups due to personal preferences or orthodontia issues. The valve can be removed to enable the free flow of liquid from this cup, but that defeats its spill-proof, leakproof convenience.

Additional features on the Coolster include its relatively streamlined, handle-free design that allows it to fit nicely into cup holders, mesh pockets on backpacks and into lunchboxes. The cup is insulated, and parents say that it does keep liquids cooler longer and that it doesn't get overly cold for little hands when filled with ice. It holds 9 ounces of liquid.