When is the best time for your baby or toddler to start transitioning from bottle to cup? As a sleep consultant, this is a common question, and the answer may actually surprise you!
Today I want to have a look at what a couple of different authorities say, and then you can decide when the best time is for you and your child to start transitioning from bottle to cup. Understanding the right age and the reasons for making the change can help ensure a smooth transition for everyone.
It’s a milestone moment
This milestone transition from bottle to cup can be both exciting and challenging. On one hand, it means your baby is growing up (and if they’re your last, I know you don’t want to rush it), but on the other hand, moving to a cup can support your child’s overall health and development.
The Recommended Age
The transition from bottle to cup can start quite early. In fact, the Ministry of Health in New Zealand recommends that the transition from bottle to open cup starts taking place between 6 to 12 months of age.
Yes, that surprised me too. I honestly haven’t seen many 6-month-olds drinking from a cup. But the latest Healthy Eating Guidelines for New Zealand Babies and Toddlers from the Ministry of Health recommends using an open cup (without a lid or spout) over both a sippy cup or a bottle, BEFORE 12 months of age. This is with your help of course. The NZ Ministry of Health states that use of an open cup has been shown to be a safe and easily learned skill in infancy.
Yes, babies really are that clever! And like with most things, the more practice, the better they become at it. So, starting early, can have its advantages.
In comparison, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents start the transition from bottle to cup (including sippy cup) at around 12 months of age. This makes sense as 12-months of age is when milk consumption becomes the secondary dietary component, after solids.
The AAP states that by 16 months, most children should be fully weaned off the bottle, compared with by 12 months in New Zealand. So, let’s say weaning off the bottle is expected somewhere between 12 and 18 months of age – as every child is different.
These timeframes are ideal for encouraging developmental milestones but also for preventing potential health issues associated with prolonged bottle use.
Why Make the Switch from bottle to cup?
Dental Health
Prolonged bottle (and some may argue sippy cup) use, especially with milk or sugary drinks, can lead to tooth decay. It’s noted that toddlers who use a bottle beyond 12 months are at a higher risk for developing cavities, according to a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics. The sugar in milk and juice can pool around the teeth, creating an environment for bacteria to thrive. Thus, moving to a cup helps reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Oral Development
Moving to a cup (especially an open one) supports the development of appropriate swallowing and drinking skills. And promotes speech and sound development. In comparison, extended bottle use can affect the development of a child’s oral muscles and palate. The sucking motion required for bottle feeding is different from that used for drinking from a cup. Indeed, a study from the American Dental Association highlights that long-term bottle use can contribute to issues such as misaligned teeth and improper jaw development.
Encouraging Independence
Transitioning from bottle to a cup is a significant step towards independence for your child. It encourages the development of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Using a cup requires different muscle movements, which are crucial for speech development as noted above, and overall motor skills.
Nutritional Balance
Children who rely heavily on bottle feeding might consume excessive amounts of milk, which can lead to iron deficiency anemia. Research published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition found that toddlers who drink more than 710mls (24 ounces) of milk per day are at a higher risk of this condition. By transitioning to a cup, you can help ensure your child is receiving a balanced diet with a variety of nutrients.
To Remove the Sleep Prop
Many parents use bottles as part of the bedtime routine, which can turn the bottle into a sleep prop or sleep association. This dependency can then interfere with the development of independent sleep skills, which in turn can cause night wakes or early mornings. Eliminating the bedtime bottle encourages healthier sleep habits and self-settling techniques.
How to start transitioning from bottle to cup
- Start Gradually
The younger the baby, the more support they will need at first, especially if you’re using an open cup over a sippy cup. Begin by introducing the cup with a small amount of water, breast milk or formula during meals. Encourage your baby to hold the cup with two hands and bring it up to their mouth themselves. Allow your child to explore and play with the cup to become familiar with it and expect a bit of mess as they learn. - Reduce Bottle Use
Gradually decrease the number of bottles offered over time (once solids are well established). Start by reducing daytime bottles. Replace them with cups during meals and snacks. - Offer Positive Reinforcement
Praise and encourage your child when they use the cup. This positive reinforcement and attention from you can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. - Consistency is Key
Be consistent with the transition. If you decide to eliminate the bedtime bottle, stick to it. If your baby is upset, then offer comfort in other ways, such as through a bedtime story or cuddle. - Lead by Example
Children often mimic their parents. Make sure you are drinking from a cup in front of your child to show them that it’s the normal way to consume beverages.
Have you transitioned seamlessly from bottle to cup? If so, how did you do it?
And if you have questions about your child sleeping well, or would like help weaning off the night feeds, lets chat. I offer free initial calls so you can learn more about my one-to-one sleep packages. I’m also on Insta and Facebook, so follow along!
Kim x
References
- https://assets.heartfoundation.org.nz/documents/teacher-tools/tools/drinking-from-an-open-cup.pdf
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2017). Preventive Oral Health Intervention for Pediatricians.
- Journal of Pediatrics. (2011). Prolonged Bottle Feeding and Dental Caries Risk.
- American Dental Association. (2019). Impact of Prolonged Bottle Use on Oral Development.
- Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. (2015). Milk Consumption and Iron Deficiency Anemia in Toddlers.