Weaning Off the Bottle Guide
Bottles aren't meant to be used forever. Transitioning to cups at the right time is good for teeth and oral development.
1. When to Wean Off the Bottle
The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends weaning between 12-18 months. Complete weaning by 24 months at the latest is ideal.
Problems with Late Weaning
- Baby bottle tooth decay: High cavity risk when sleeping with bottle
- Malocclusion: Can cause protruding front teeth
- Obesity risk: Excess calorie intake
- Ear infections: Increased risk when drinking lying down
- Iron deficiency: Too much milk interferes with iron absorption
2. Preparing for Cup Use
Practice using cups before weaning off the bottle.
When to Introduce Cups
- 6 months: Can introduce straw cups/sippy cups
- 9-12 months: Practice holding cup with two hands
- 12-15 months: Start practicing with open cups
Types of Cups
- Sippy cup: Transition step (don't use too long)
- Straw cup: Better for oral development
- 360 cup: Can drink from any direction
- Open cup: Ultimate goal
3. How to Wean Off the Bottle
Method 1: Gradual Reduction (Recommended)
Slowly reduce over 2-4 weeks:
- Step 1: Switch daytime feeds to cup first
- Step 2: Drop the morning bottle
- Step 3: Drop the evening bottle
- Step 4: Last to go: bedtime/nighttime bottle
Method 2: Cold Turkey
At a certain age, remove all bottles and use only cups. Decisive but may be harder on baby.
Method 3: Bottle Farewell Ceremony
- Create a story: "Let's send it to the bottle fairy"
- Pack up bottles together and pretend to send them off
- Give a special new cup as a gift instead
4. The Bedtime Bottle Is Hardest
The nighttime bottle is often about habit and comfort rather than hunger.
Alternatives
- Strengthen bedtime routine (bath → book → lullaby → sleep)
- Replace bottle with other comfort items (lovey, blanket)
- Put only water in the bottle (gradually loses appeal)
- Drink milk from cup before bed, brush teeth, then sleep
5. Tips for Successful Weaning
- Be consistent: Once you decide to wean, don't go back
- Praise: Celebrate drinking from a cup
- Give choices: "Which cup do you want?"
- Role model: Let baby see family drinking from cups
- Be gradual: Don't rush
- Avoid major changes: Don't overlap with new sibling, moving, etc.
6. When NOT to Wean
- When baby is sick
- When teething
- When a new sibling has arrived
- During daycare adjustment
- Right after moving
- During any major life changes
7. Drinks After Weaning
Recommended After 12 Months
- Milk: 16-20oz (400-500ml) per day, not more (too much can cause iron deficiency)
- Water: Basic thirst quencher
Drinks to Avoid
- Juice (too much sugar)
- Soda
- Caffeinated drinks
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When should I stop formula?
A. After 12 months, you can transition to whole cow's milk. Consult with your pediatrician first.
Q. Will my baby lack nutrition after weaning the bottle?
A. After 12 months, solid food (meals) is the main nutrition. Milk becomes a supplementary food, and drinking a moderate amount from a cup is enough.
Q. What if my baby cries?
A. The first few days may be tough. Comfort them in other ways and stay consistent - they will adjust.
Q. Are straw cups okay?
A. Yes, straw cups aren't bad for oral development. Ultimately aim for open cup use.