Tips on How to Trade in Bottles for Cups

Though most toddlers are able to drink from a cup by 18 months, not all are willing to drop the bottle.

Not only does the bottle offer comfort, but it also satisfies your toddler’s naturally ingrained sucking reflex. But there are a couple of good reasons to bid that bubba bub-bye. If used too often, it can not only lead to tooth decay, but kids who drink too much throughout the day can also be getting too much of a good thing from their perspective.

Many parents have a misconception that their kids need a lot more milk than they really do, and if kids are drinking more than the recommended two cups (16 oz.), there’s a chance they’re not getting enough varied nutrition from solid food.

DROP ONE BOTTLE AT A TIME. Weaning can take time so as with most things don't expect results over night. You can start by replacing one bottle a day with a sippy cup, like at lunch time for example, and then try working your way down to the bottle your child likes best, which is usually the bedtime bottle. You can also try putting water in it, instead of milk, to make it less appealing to your toddler. Make the transition easier for younger toddlers by screwing a sippy cup spout onto their regular bottle. Some bottle lines are made to do just that (like Avent), and even include screw-on handles you can use to make it easy for small hands.

SET A DATE. If you’d rather go cold turkey, make it a little easier on your child by giving him or her a heads up before hauling out the trashcan. Set a date with your child—perhaps a birthday or holiday—and then throw out, or give away the bottles all together. Not having them around will take away the temptation to give in, and your toddler will get thirsty sooner or later.

BRIBE ‘EM. Consider it an incentive. Tell them they’re going to give the bottles away to a baby who really needs them, but in return, they get to go to a store and buy something special. Then take them shopping and let him or her pick out their own new sippy cups. And make a big deal about it, and how excited you are for them.

CHANGE UP THE ROUTINE. If you normally offer a bottle before bed, sit down with your child and have a light snack and milk out of a cup together instead before it's time to be tucked in. Then it’s off to brush teeth and have a snuggle or read a story. If the rocking chair and bottle used to go hand in hand, maybe the rocker can be put away and you can offer a bedtime backrub instead. If you’re consistent, you will be settled into a new routine in about two weeks.

STOP WORRYING! She doesn’t eat much in the day, but at least she gets her big bottle before bed. If this sounds familiar, rest easy. If you actually look at your child’s whole diet, chances are he or she is getting all the calcium and other nutrients a growing toddler needs, especially if they're getting lots of yogurt or cheese.