How to Wean Your Baby off the Bottle

When you decide to wean your baby from a bottle to a cup, a variety of techniques can make the transition easier on you both.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baby/infant Training Cups
• Baby Formulas
• Milk
• Baby Toys

1. Offer your baby a cup instead of a bottle, and follow his cues. He may seem interested and may drink from it properly; if he has trouble or just refuses, try again in a few days.

2. Make a family policy that your baby can't walk around with his drink or play with his bottle. This will make it clear that he needs to eat at regular meal and snack times, rather than always holding on to the bottle. Follow similar rules yourself so you don't send mixed messages.

3. Substitute other things that will comfort your baby if he seems to be using his bottle as a pacifier. These should include extra attention and affection, as well as special games, toys and books.

4. If your baby gets thirsty at night, keep a spillproof cup of water nearby and offer it to him in lieu of a bottle when he wakes. The nighttime bottle is often the most difficult to lose, but doing so is important. Using formula, milk or juice at night harms your baby's dental health, as the liquid will pool in the mouth, coat the teeth and lead to severe decay. Bottles also pose a choking hazard.

Tips & Warnings

• If your baby does not seem fond of cow's milk, don't despair. There are many other excellent sources of calcium and protein, such as tofu and yogurt.
• Remember that your baby still needs good nutrition; a 1-year-old should drink about 4 cups of milk daily, depending on how much solid food he takes in.
• Many babies become addicted to juice during weaning; try to make it an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your baby's diet.
• Try using a cup that features your child's favorite book, TV or movie characters; this may help him get excited about using it.

[bellas111]

on 6/10/2009 I was having major problems with my son's binky addiction! My friend absolutely raved about the cut method, and all of the psychology behind it. She emailed me a link to a site that has a free publication ( www.bye-bye-binky.com -supported by advertisements) on dropping the binky, so I tried it. Very cool stuff, worked beautifully for my son. Four days later he did not want anything to do with his binky. Highly recommended! I am also interested in others experiences with this method.... Bella

[mzjns06]

on 12/17/2008 I also have a 11 month milk monster, who will be 12 months in a few weeks. She does not take a pacifier, and has to have a bottle or two in the middle of the night. If she sleeps longer than 30 mins in the middles of the day, my nights are restless. I now suffer from two stomach diseases from this lack of sleep. I am crying out for help!

[mer12]

on 11/22/2008 My son will be 12 months in a a couple of weeks. I really want to ween him off the bottle before he gets too old. I have no idea how to go about doing it. He goes down with one at nap time and at bed time and again if he wakes up in the middle of the night. Where do i start? Please help.

[amerz79]

on 11/19/2008 I took my daughter off the bottle right before she was 16 months and she REFUSED to drink milk out of the sippy cup (water and juice ok) but no way on the milk. She went an entire week without drinkink milk. I finally gave into her but the pediatrician said to just cut it out cold turkey and she will eventually come around and if not just to give her yougart, cheese, tofu etc. We are taking her off again tomorrow..Im in for a long ride she is one stubborn cookie!

[drpoodleman]

on 10/30/2008 GIJOJO,
you have to ignore the cries. i know it's hard. i have a ten month old who slept through the night, then suddenly stopped. he woke up every couple hours. we put him down with a bottle of water now, then we walk out. we stay out of his room until the morning, and the sleep we get is awesome. he will only cry for a few nights, then he will get it. break the habit..... good luck!!