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ZoLi Bot

*MSRP $12

Reviewed

January 2013

by ConsumerSearch

Pros

Can be completely emptied from any position
Won't leak if lid secured correctly
Makes transition from bottle easy

Cons

Lid can be challenging to secure
Pressure can build up in straw, creating leaks
Straw can be chewed off

Where to Buy

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Our Analysis
Specs
435 Amazon Reviews

Bottom Line

The Zoli Bot Sippy Cup has a flexible, weighted straw that still functions when the cup is tipped up, allowing the baby to get every last sip. There are durability complaints about the straw and complaints of leaks, but for many the Bot will make it possible for parents to teach their babies to successfully drink from a straw.

Ease Of Use

Wherever the water flows, the straw goes. Most babies who have been fed from a bottle or breast will instinctively tip their head back to drink from any form of cup. This can make teaching them to sip from a straw, which is recommended by pediatricians, speech therapists and occupational therapists, a huge challenge. The Zoli Bot solves this dilemma by creating a flexible, weighted straw that follows the fluid around the cup, enabling the baby to achieve success without frustration or sucking air. It also allows the baby to drink every last drop of the cup's contents. Parents say that the Bot straw is easy to suck from and that it doesn't require biting or any unusual moves to get the liquid flowing. They also say the Bot is easy for babies to hold by the handles or bottle.

Most parents love the straw's functionality, but many complain about the finicky lid, which can leak if not secured just so. Users say if it's screwed on too tightly, pressure will build up in the straw and create leaks, but it will also leak if the lid isn't on tightly enough. Parents advise that clearing the straw of fluids before closing the top cover eliminates most spills.

From a cleaning perspective, parents like that there are relatively few parts to clean and that the cup is dishwasher-safe. They say the straw is difficult to clean, although a cleaning brush is available with the replacement straw kit (*MSRP $7).

Durability

Built to last. Parents say the Zoli Bot is solid and able to withstand throws and falls to the hard floor. Some parents say that the handles are flimsy. More than one owner says the tip of the straw can be chewed off by children with teeth, making the Bot a safe option only for babies without teeth and children who can be trusted not to chew their straws.

Lifestyle Features

A good fit for babies. The Zoli Bot comes in a 6-ounce or 9-ounce bottle size. The small bottle's handles make it easy for babies to hold, and the straw is described as thin, creating a lower flow rate, which parents say is also good for babies. Most parents say that this cup is great for transitioning from bottle to cup feeding as it is easy for babies to master. Parents also say that it allows babies to drink in their most comfortable position with the cup tilted up or down. For parents who want the option, Zoli also offers a sippy cup spout lid that is compatible with this cup. Most parents say this is a good cup for home use, not so much for travel.

The Zoli Bot is made of BPA- and phthalate-free plastic.

Where To Buy

Zo-li Bot Straw Sippy Cup

(435 reviews)
Buy new: $11.95 $11.90 17 New from $11.90

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Our Sources

1. Babble.com

Review Credibility: Excellent This roundup by Babble.com contributor Casey Mullins includes 11 sippy cups and straw bottles for kids and babies. Each included cup gets a brief blurb that describes the cup's basic usability features as well as its key benefits. She likes the weighted straw on the Zoli Bot that enables a child to drink all of the bottle's contents. She also appreciates the built-in lid.

Review: Top 11 Sippy Cups, Casey Mullins, July 5, 2012

2. Amazon.com

Review Credibility: Very Good The Zoli Bot Straw Sippy Cup receives an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars based in over 300 customer reviews. Most parents love the weighted straw and say that it works well and allows children to drink from any position. Parents complain of a leaky lid, and others say the lid is very specific and that if used correctly the cup won't leak.

Review: Zoli Bot Sippy Cup, Contributors to Amazon.com, As of January 2013

3. OneStepAhead.com

Review Credibility: Very Good The Zoli Bot Straw Cup receives an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars based on about 50 customer reviews posted at OneStepAhead.com. Many parents appreciate the fact that the weighted straw allows their child to consume all of the liquid in the cup in any position. Some parents say that pressure builds up in the straw and causes leaking from the cup. Many say that the cup is easy for small children to learn and allows them to skip the sippy cup stage. Some parents find the straw hard to clean.

Review: Zoli Bot Straw Sippy Cup, Contributors to OneStepAhead.com, As of January 2013

4. Diapers.com

Review Credibility: Very Good The Zoli Bot Straw Cup receives an average rating of 2.9 out of 5 stars in over about 25 customer reviews posted at Diapers.com. Most contributors say the cup is durable, easy to use and a good value. There are complaints about pressure buildup in the straws that causes leaking if the top isn't correctly secured.

Review: Zoli Baby Bot - Straw Sippy Cup, Contributors to Diapers.com, As of January 2013

5. BabyCheapskate.com

Review Credibility: Very Good Angie Wynne asked readers to vote on the best straw cup available by voting for nine best-selling cups. The cups were ranked in six categories: easiest to use, easiest to clean, easiest on the budget, easiest to find replacement parts for, most leakproof and most durable. The Zoli Bot was the winner for easiest to use and most leakproof.

Review: Straw Cup Showdown Results: And the Winner Is…, Angie Wynne, July 9, 2012

6. CoolMomPicks.com

Review Credibility: Good The editors of CoolMomPicks.com declare that they have found the best sippy cup -- one that can stand up to the aggressive toddler. The reviewer loves the weighted, flexible straw that allows access to all the liquid in the cup. They also like the handles and dome top for travel.

Review: What's the best sippy cup? We may have just found it., Editors of CoolMomPicks.com, June 19, 2012

7. BumpClubandBeyond.com

Review Credibility: Good Despite occasional leaks, this is the reviewer's favorite "go-to" sippy cup. She loves the weighted straw that is easy for kids to draw liquid from with no tricks to learn. She says that if you turn the top too tightly, pressure builds causing leaks through the straw. She says if the lid isn't on just right, it leaks. Even so this is her favorite cup and she gives it 5 stars out of 5.

Review: Product Review: Zoli Bot Sippy Cup, Jacki Krashin, Oct. 30, 2012

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Zoli Bot *MSRP $12