Weaning Your Baby Off the Bottle: Tips for a Smooth Transition
Weaning your baby off the bottle is an important step for their oral development. Experts recommend completing bottle weaning by 18 months, because prolonged bottle use can impact teeth alignment, bite, and overall oral health.
Start Early with Cups
The key to a smooth transition is giving your baby practice with cups early. Around 6 months, start offering water in a straw cup or open cup. This helps your baby develop the coordination and skills needed to sip, so they’re comfortable with a cup before you even begin the actual weaning process.
👇Our favorite cups for the transition👇
Gradual Weaning
Most families start the actual bottle weaning closer to 12 months. By this time, your baby will be already familiar with cups, which makes the process gradual and less stressful. You can slowly replace one bottle feeding at a time as desired with a cup until the bottle is completely gone.
If Baby Is Already 12 Months or Older
If your baby is already 12 months or older and still using a bottle regularly, don’t worry, it’ll happen. Start by replacing one daytime bottle with a cup and gradually phase out the others over a few weeks. Keep offering milk or water in a cup throughout the day so your baby can practice, and stay consistent while being patient with the transition.
Tips for Success
Offer the cup at times when your baby is calm and receptive.
Keep a cup of water out and about for frequent exposure
Encourage water or some breast milk in a cup at mealtimes to build habit.
Be patient—some babies take longer to transition than others.
Takeaways:
Begin cup practice around 6 months to prepare for bottle weaning.
Aim to fully wean off bottles by 18 months to support oral development.
Gradual, consistent changes make the process easier for both you and your baby.
Even if your baby is 12 months or older, you can still wean successfully with slow, steady steps.
Weaning from the bottle is a big milestone, whether you are excited or dreading it… you’ve got this!
