It can be difficult for parents to gauge when it is time to toss out the baby bottle. Most pediatricians recommend that babies give up the bottle by no later than 18 months. Prolonged bottle use can cause cavities. The neck of the bottle collects microorganisms which can be detrimental to the child’s health. Furthermore, children will drink more milk than they need, and prolonged baby bottle use will delay independence. In some case it can slow down language development. It can also play a negative role in independence. Children will stay in the ‘baby stage’ for much longer than they should.

Tips to try:

• Cut down to one bottle per day. Make it a routine.
• Praise them and tell them how big they are now that they are using a big cup.
• Eliminate the nighttime bottle by offering milk in a cup during dinner and continue with the regular nighttime routines.
• Offer hugs for comfort and play with them to keep them distracted.
• Throw the baby bottle in the garbage!!