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Baby Bottle Weaning

Weaning your child from a bottle may be a challenge. Once the decision to wean is made, consistency is essential and all caregivers should be aware that the child is transitioning from the bottle to the cup. Remember that weaning is usually a long, gradual process.

When is my child ready to be weaned from the bottle?

In general, children can try a cup at 6 months and be weaned off the bottle around 12 to 18 months. Children are ready to be weaned when they:

• Can sit up by themselves
• Can eat from a spoon
• Show more interest in solid foods
• Have an established routine for mealtimes

Why is it important to wean my child off the bottle?

• Children using bottles are more likely to develop tooth decay.
• Children who drink from a bottle may have improper dental development.
• Children who depend on bottle feedings may not consume enough solid foods to meet their nutrient needs.
• Children who are not weaned from the bottle may not develop appropriate feeding skills.

How do I wean my child off the bottle?

• Wean your child during a relatively stress-free time. It is not a good idea to start when a new sibling has just arrived or when the family is moving to a new house.

• Introduce the cup early at age 3 to 6 months. Let the child hold and become used to the cup without liquid.

• At age 8 to 10 months, substitute a sippy cup for a bottle at one feeding during the day. Choose a feeding when the child usually drinks just a little, rather than a major mealtime. Use this same feeding time to use the cup every day for a week.

• Every week, introduce the cup at another feeding, slowly decreasing the number of bottles the child receives.

• Feed very slowly. Help the child hold the cup and tip a small amount of liquid into the child's mouth.

• Some children may need to suck as a way for them to control their behavior. This sets their mood to accomplish certain tasks such as sleeping, concentrating and running. Some children may continue to suck on a pacifier or bottles of plain water for the first few years.

• Consistency is key to successful weaning. Be sure to give the child the cup at the designated feeding time and don't switch back to the bottle at this feeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I offer my child cow's milk?

Children over 12 months may drink whole cow's milk and they will be more likely to accept the milk if it's gradually introduced. Mix whole cow's milk with part breast milk or formula, gradually increasing the amount of cow's milk.

Children under 2 years of age should not drink reduced-fat or fat-free milk. Fat is needed for proper growth and development of the brain and nervous system.

What can I put in a bottle and what can I put in a cup?

• Put only breast milk, formula and water -- no cow's milk before 12 months -- in a bottle.
• Never put juice or other fruit-flavored drinks in a bottle.
• You can put milk, water or diluted juice in a cup.
• During the weaning process, only use water or milk in the cup. If you put juice in the cup, the child may come to expect it. Remember, no cow's milk before the child is 12 months old.

If I am breastfeeding my child, do I wean to a bottle or to a cup?

Most breastfed babies are given breast milk from the breast and from a bottle during the first year of life. If you have breastfed your baby only from the breast for nine or more months, wean the child to a cup rather than to a bottle.

What can I do to make weaning easier on my baby?

• Offer other comforts such as a soft blanket or stuffed animal or play soothing music.
• Spend extra time cuddling with your child during the weaning process.
• Buy cups with handles, spouted lids or baby cups with straws to make drinking easier.
• Be a positive role model and drink from a cup with your child.

For more information or to request an appointment with a registered dietitian, please contact the UCSF Nutrition Counseling Center at (415) 353-1461.

• Starting Solid Foods
• Feeding Your Baby: Breast and Bottle-Feeding
• Encouraging Your Child to Eat Fruits and Vegetables

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care provider. We encourage you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.