From Bottle to Cup
Helping Your Child Make a Healthy Transition
Transitioning from a bottle to a cup is a significant milestone in your child's development. It's not just about learning a new skill, but also about promoting good oral health and encouraging healthy drinking habits. However, like any new skill, this transition can come with its challenges. Here are some tips to help your child make a healthy and smooth transition from bottle to cup.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents start introducing a cup around 6 months of age and aim to have the transition complete by 12 to 18 months. This timeline is not only beneficial for your child's developing motor skills but also helps prevent tooth decay associated with prolonged use of bottles, especially when used with sugary drinks or used at bedtime.
Start the transition gradually. You might begin by introducing a cup during meal times when your child can mimic your actions. At first, the cup can be filled with a little breast milk, formula, or water. Over time, as your child becomes more comfortable with the cup, you can start replacing one bottle feed at a time with a cup feed.
When choosing a cup, opt for a spill-proof cup with a spout or a straw rather than a "sippy cup." While sippy cups might seem like a natural transition from the bottle, they can still promote sucking rather than sipping. Cups with a spout or a straw encourage the kind of mouth movements needed for eventual transition to regular cups.
Remember, every child is unique, and the transition from bottle to cup will happen at its own pace. There might be spills and messes along the way, but that's all part of the learning process. Be patient, offer lots of praise, and make the experience positive and fun. Before you know it, your little one will be sipping from a cup like a pro!