Convincing your toddler to give up their beloved bottle can be a struggle from day one and many parents dread this milestone in their little one's life.
Paediatricians recommend that babies are weaned off the bottle between the ages of 12 and 24 months, but as all mums know, these things are usually easier said than done.
There are good reasons as to why weaning is recommended for this age bracket, most significantly the increased risk of tooth-decay. Any solution other than water may lead to cavities.
Another reason experts recommend weaning at this age is that toddlers who drink from bottles tend to ingest more milk than they should, making them less likely to want solid food.
The bottle is a source of comfort for your toddler and they aren't going to let go without a fight.
However there are some things you can do that will make the graduation to a cup easier for everyone. After all, it’s never nice to see your little one upset, even if it is for their own good.
Gradual weaning can be done over a month and there are some things you can do that will ensure your toddler will be asking for a cup soon.
- Dilute the milk you give in the bottle, but give undiluted milk in the cup. This way your toddler will associate the more desirable milk with the one in the cup.
- Gradually cut down on the amount of bottles you give per day and replace them with snacks or a cup.
- Allow your toddler to pick out their own cup to excite them about drinking from the cup.
- Be positive about the cup and praise your toddler when they drink from it.
While it may not be easy and there may be some tears along the way, your perseverance will pay off.
