Suction needs a clean, smooth, non-porous surface — glass, stone, laminate or a polished tabletop. Natural timber, textured or uneven surfaces will reduce it, sometimes completely.

To get the best hold:

1. Make sure both the table and the suction base are clean and dry.
2. Place it down and press firmly in the centre to push out the trapped air.
3. To remove, lift the release tab to break the seal rather than pulling straight up.

A note on high chair trays. Many are moulded plastic with a slight texture or a curved surface, and suction won't grip well on either. Look for the smoothest, flattest section of the tray, or use the plate on a table instead. If your tray has a raised lip or a pattern, a table will almost always work better.

If it still won't hold, the surface is usually the reason rather than the product.

Nine times out of ten it's the straw sitting too far down.

If the straw is pushed all the way to the bottom, the end seals against the base of the cup and no liquid can be drawn through. It looks correctly assembled, but nothing comes out.

To fix it:

1. Pull the straw up so it sits just above the bottom of the cup, with a small gap underneath.
2. Check the straw is pushed properly into the lid so there's no gap around it.
3. Check the small air vent in the lid is clear. If it's blocked with milk or food, a vacuum forms as your child sips and the flow stops.
4. Make sure the lid is seated evenly all the way around.

The Sip Cup straw is free flowing with no valve, so once everything is clear it should draw very easily — this is one of the simplest cups for a beginner to use.

No. As our tableware is made with 304 food-grade stainless steel, it should never be used in the microwave.

• Stainless steel is not microwave safe.
  
• Do not use stainless steel products in the oven or on the stovetop.
  
  If you need to warm food, transfer it to a microwave-safe container first before serving.
  

The Sip Cup straw is free flowing with no valve, so pressing the lid down pushes air into the cup and forces liquid up through the straw. It's a side effect of the design that makes it easy to sip from.

The simple fix: put the lid on first, then push the straw in. Far less mess, and no liquid sitting in the straw before your child starts drinking.

Yes! Most of our products are dishwasher safe (top rack recommended where possible). Please refer to the individual care instructions for each product.

Tableware — plates, bowls, cups, cutlery, bibs and suction pieces

304-grade stainless steel food-contact surfaces, with BPA-free, phthalate-free food-grade silicone outers, bases, handles, lids and straws. Our bibs are silicone throughout.

Lunch Box and Snack Box

304-grade stainless steel with BPA-free food-grade silicone seals and lids. The Lunch Box clasp has a stainless steel frame with a silicone grip. The included snack and dip containers are stainless steel with silicone lids.

Smoothie Cup

304-grade stainless steel inner with a BPA-free, phthalate-free food-grade silicone sleeve and straw. The screw-on straw lid and separate transport lid are plastic.

Little Bakers Kit

A mix of wood, bamboo, silicone, metal, a plastic sieve frame, and a canvas storage bag.

Drawstring Carry Bag

Polyester-cotton blend.

You'll find the full material breakdown and testing details on each product page.

The silicone sleeve is removable to make cleaning quick and easy.

• Insert the handle of a spoon between the stainless steel cup and the silicone sleeve.
• Gently work the spoon around the edge to loosen the silicone.
• Once loosened, slide the silicone sleeve off the cup.
• Wash the silicone and stainless steel separately.
• Ensure both parts are completely dry before reassembling.
  

Tip: The silicone is designed to stretch, so using a spoon to gently loosen it is the easiest way to remove it without damaging the sleeve.

The Little Pioneers is Australian-owned and run and every order is packed and shipped from Australia. Our products are manufactured in China, which is where the great majority of children's tableware is made.

We don't manufacture what we sell — we choose it. We use everything ourselves before we stock it, and we ask our suppliers for the test documentation behind what they make.

The Sip Cup has a free-flowing straw with no valve, which makes it easier for babies still learning to sip. It also means liquid can flow through if the cup is tipped or shaken, so it isn't one for the bag.

The 3-in-1 Transition Cup and Smoothie Cup have cross-cut valve straws — a small slit moulded into the straw that stays closed at rest. It controls flow and reduces leaks, so these suit bags, prams and daycare. They take a little more suction to get started.

The valve isn't a separate part and doesn't come apart. Because the slit sits closed, flush water right through the straw when washing and gently flex it to help the slit open — rinsing the outside isn't enough. Stand it upright to drain and let it dry fully.

Water marks are completely normal and won't affect your product's performance.

• Simply dry with a soft cloth after washing.
• White vinegar can help remove stubborn mineral deposits.