When to stop using the bottle
One of the most common questions I get from parents is: “When should I start transitioning my baby from a bottle to a cup?”
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the ideal time to start this transition is around 12 months, with the goal of being fully weaned off the bottle by 16 months.
Why it’s time to make the switch
1. Dental Health. Prolonged bottle use—especially when it includes milk or juice—can increase the risk of tooth decay. Liquids can pool around a child’s teeth during bottle feeding, creating a perfect environment for bacteria. In fact, a study in the Journal of Pediatrics found that toddlers who continued bottle feeding beyond 12 months had a significantly higher risk of cavities. Yikes!
2. Oral Development. The sucking motion required for bottle feeding is very different from the way children use their mouth when drinking from a cup. Extended use of a bottle can interfere with the natural development of the mouth, potentially contributing to issues such as misaligned teeth or an improperly developed palate. The American Dental Association has linked long-term bottle use to delayed oral motor development and jaw misalignment.
3. Encouraging Independence. Switching to a cup is more than just a feeding change—it’s a developmental milestone. Drinking from a cup helps children strengthen fine motor skills, improve hand-eye coordination, and develop muscles that are important for speech. It’s also one of the first ways toddlers start to take ownership of feeding themselves, which builds confidence and independence.
4. Balanced Nutrition. Toddlers who rely heavily on bottles often drink more milk than they need. When milk becomes a dominant part of a child’s diet—especially beyond 24 ounces per day—it can actually lead to iron deficiency anemia. A study from the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition showed that excessive milk intake in toddlers displaces iron-rich foods and increases anemia risk. Transitioning to a cup helps you better regulate intake and support a more balanced diet.
5. The Bottle as a Sleep Prop. It’s incredibly common for bottles to become part of a child’s bedtime routine. Over time, the bottle can become a sleep association—something your child relies on to fall asleep. While this might work short-term, it can make it harder for your child to fall asleep independently or stay asleep through the night. Eliminating the bedtime bottle is a step toward healthier, more consistent sleep habits.
How to Transition: Simple Steps That Work.
If you’re feeling nervous about how to actually make this shift, you’re not alone. The good news is that the transition doesn’t have to happen overnight—and there are ways to make it feel smoother.
Start Gradually. Introduce a cup during meals, ideally with water, and allow your child to get familiar with it. Let them play, explore, and practice. Messy is normal!
Reduce Bottle Use One at a Time. Begin by eliminating one daytime bottle (usually mid-morning or afternoon). Replace it with a cup and a snack, and gradually work your way toward removing others. Leave the bedtime bottle for last if it feels hardest—but know that it can be done with the right plan.
Offer Praise and Encouragement. Celebrate their small wins. When your child uses their cup successfully—even if it’s just a sip—offer a smile, a clap, or a “Wow, you did it!” Positive reinforcement can go a long way.
Be Consistent. Consistency is key. If you’re ready to drop the bedtime bottle, stick to it. Support the change with a new bedtime routine: a bath, a story, some snuggles—anything comforting that doesn’t involve feeding to sleep.
Model the Behavior. Children are natural mimics. Drinking from a cup in front of them can help normalize the behavior and encourage them to copy what they see.
If the bedtime bottle has become a permanent part of your sleep routine and you’re unsure how to drop it without chaos—I can help. This is one of the most common transitions I support families through, and with a game plan, you can help your child feel confident, rested, and independent.
Book a free call today to talk about how to make this work for your child and your family.