No, 18 months is not too old for a bottle. However, it is generally recommended to start transitioning from bottles to cups around this age to encourage independent drinking skills and oral development.
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No, 18 months is not too old for a bottle. However, it is generally recommended to start transitioning from bottles to cups around this age to encourage independent drinking skills and oral development.
Drinking from a bottle is a common practice for infants and young toddlers. While it provides a convenient way to feed babies, experts suggest that it is beneficial to gradually wean them off bottles as they reach their toddler years. Here’s some interesting information on this topic:
Oral development: Drinking from a bottle for an extended period can impact a child’s oral development. Pediatric dentists recommend transitioning to a cup by 12-18 months to promote proper tongue and jaw movement, preventing dental issues such as misalignment or speech problems.
Motor skills: Encouraging independent drinking skills with a cup helps children develop their fine motor skills. Holding a cup, coordinating hand movements, and sipping from an open cup or a sippy cup enhances their hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
Nutritional needs: As children grow, their nutritional needs change. Transitioning to a cup can facilitate the introduction of solid foods and encourage a varied diet. Relying solely on bottles for nutrition can hinder the opportunities to explore different textures and flavors.
Self-reliance: Introducing a cup empowers toddlers and promotes self-reliance. It allows them to have a sense of control over their feeding process, building their confidence and independence.
Here’s a quote from Dr. William Sears, a renowned pediatrician and parenting expert, on the topic of transitioning from bottles to cups:
“Drinking from a cup is an excellent motor skill builder, and by 18 months, your child should be an expert at it. Throw away the bottles and let your child advance to a new set of feeding challenges.”
While bottles can still be used occasionally or for specific purposes such as breastfeeding or comfort, gradually transitioning to cups is generally recommended. Here’s a table summarizing some key points:
Benefits of Transitioning from Bottles to Cups
1. Promotes proper oral development
2. Enhances fine motor skills
3. Facilitates diverse nutrition
4. Fosters self-reliance and independence
Remember, each child is unique, and it’s essential to consider their individual readiness for this transition. Consulting with pediatricians or experts can provide tailored guidance based on your child’s specific needs and developmental stage.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends phasing out bottles between 12 and 24 months of age1. There are many ways to simplify the bottle-to-cup transition for your little one.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies give up the bottle entirely by about age 1, and no later than 18 months.
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests saying bye-bye to the bottle before your baby is 18 months old.
By 18 months, they should be weaned off the bottle completely.
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Dr. Premila Naidu, a pediatric dentist, stresses the importance of avoiding bottle feeding and discontinuing it by age one to maintain good oral health. Bottle feeding, particularly at night, can lead to early childhood caries, a severe form of cavities. Even daytime bottle feeding with prolonged sipping can contribute to this condition. Dr. Naidu strongly advises against bottle feeding and recommends stopping it by age one to protect oral health.
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Can my 18 month old still have a bottle?
The reply will be: The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests saying bye-bye to the bottle before your baby is 18 months old. "I’d say definitely before age 2, but the sooner the better," says Keith T. Ayoob, EdD. He’s an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, N.Y.
How do I transition my 18 month old off the bottle?
Answer: Quitting the bottle cold turkey may work for a few babies, but for most, a gradual transition is best. That means phasing out one feeding session at a time (morning or midday bottles may be easier to drop than evening ones) as you encourage your baby to drink from a sippy cup or open training cup.
Is it OK for 2 year old to have a bottle?
Sarah Rahal, MD is a double board-certified adult and pediatric neurologist and headache medicine specialist. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents wean their children off the bottle between 12 and 24 months of age.
Why is it bad for a toddler to drink from a bottle?
As an answer to this: Prolonged bottle feeding poses oral health risks for children, even if it seems harmless. If your child is nursing on a bottle throughout the day it means your child’s teeth are in regular contact with milk or juice, which can lead to tooth decay and cavities.
When should babies stop using bottles?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies give up the bottle entirely by about age 1, and no later than 18 months. But the new study, an analysis of data on 6,750 children born in 2001, who participated in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort, found that 22% of babies were still using bottles regularly at 24 months.
When should a Baby Say 'Bye-Bye' to a bottle?
In reply to that: No worries, but don’t wait too long. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests saying bye-bye to the bottle before your baby is 18 months old. "I’d say definitely before age 2, but the sooner the better," says Keith T. Ayoob, EdD.
When should I give my Baby a bedtime bottle?
As an answer to this: All that said, by the time babies are around nine months old, the bedtime bottle is usually optional (although most little ones don’t seem to think so!) The longer you keep giving that bedtime bottle, the harder it seems to do away with it, for both you and your baby.
Is it normal for a baby to grab a bottle early?
As an answer to this: Babies who have only recently transitioned to the bottle may not yet have an interest in holding it, even if their strength and coordination would technically allow it. Likewise, babies with more interest in food — which is also perfectly normal, by the way — may grab for the bottle earlier. Where there’s a will there’s a way, as the saying goes.
When should babies stop using bottles?
The answer is: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies give up the bottle entirely by about age 1, and no later than 18 months. But the new study, an analysis of data on 6,750 children born in 2001, who participated in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort, found that 22% of babies were still using bottles regularly at 24 months.
When should a Baby Say 'Bye-Bye' to a bottle?
The reply will be: No worries, but don’t wait too long. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests saying bye-bye to the bottle before your baby is 18 months old. "I’d say definitely before age 2, but the sooner the better," says Keith T. Ayoob, EdD.
Do 1 year olds still have bottles?
Lots of 1 year olds (and older!) still have bottles ime. A lot of fuss about nothing – it is perfectly fine and bottles do not harm teeth nor does milk. You are not talking about a child having it stuck it it’s mouth all day then absolutely fine……
Is it normal for a baby to grab a bottle early?
As a response to this: Babies who have only recently transitioned to the bottle may not yet have an interest in holding it, even if their strength and coordination would technically allow it. Likewise, babies with more interest in food — which is also perfectly normal, by the way — may grab for the bottle earlier. Where there’s a will there’s a way, as the saying goes.
