It's generally recommended to start weaning your baby off the bottle around the end of their first year, or by 12 months old. Continuing bottle-feeding beyond this age increases the risk of tooth decay, especially if the bottle is used as a bedtime soother.
Why Wean from Bottles Around 12 Months?
Several sources emphasize the importance of transitioning away from bottles by the time a baby turns one. Here's why:
- Dental Health: Prolonged bottle-feeding, especially with sugary liquids, significantly increases the risk of cavities and tooth decay. Raising Children Network and NHS both highlight this risk.
- Habit Formation: The longer a baby uses a bottle, the harder it can be to transition to a cup. HealthyChildren.org, Nemours KidsHealth, and WhatToExpect all advise starting the weaning process early to avoid this.
- Developmental Milestones: By one year old, most babies are developmentally ready to drink from a cup. This promotes better oral motor skills and reduces the reliance on a bottle.
Gradual Transition is Key
The transition should be gradual and not abrupt. Don't expect your baby to switch overnight. Instead, gradually reduce bottle feedings and increase cup usage.
- Start Early: Begin introducing a cup as early as 6-9 months old.
- Reduce Feedings: Slowly decrease the number of bottle feedings per day.
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward progress with praise and positive attention.
- Variety of Cups: Try different types of cups (sippy cups, open cups) to find one your baby likes.
While some sources suggest a slightly later cut-off of 18 months WebMD, the consensus leans towards completing the transition by 12 months to minimize potential health risks. However, every baby is different, so consult your pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby's readiness or progress.
