My Toddler Still Wants a Bottle at Night
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rachel Kim, MD, RDN · Pediatric Nutrition Specialist
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Feeding challenges are one of the most common concerns new parents face. When it comes to my toddler still wants a bottle at night, here is what the guidelines recommend.
The short answer
Night bottles after 12 months increase the risk of tooth decay and can contribute to excess calorie intake and overnight waking. The AAP recommends weaning from bottles by 12-15 months. Gradually reducing the amount in the bottle, switching to water, or replacing the bottle with a comfort object can help break this habit.
Key takeaways
- Night bottles after 12 months increase the risk of tooth decay and can contribute to excess calorie intake and overnight waking. The AAP recommends weaning from bottles by 12-15 months. Gradually reducing the amount in the bottle, switching to water, or replacing the bottle with a comfort object can help break this habit.
- Usually normal when: Toddler asks for a bottle at bedtime during the transition period
- Call your doctor if: Toddler has significant tooth decay or dental pain
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, for 2 years or beyond.”
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, CDC guidelines, night bottles after 12 months increase the risk of tooth decay and can contribute to excess calorie intake and overnight waking. The AAP recommends weaning from bottles by 12-15 months. Gradually reducing the amount in the bottle, switching to water, or replacing the bottle with a comfort object can help break this habit. At 0-3 months, night feeds are essential at this age. Babies need to eat frequently and should not have feeds restricted overnight. It is generally considered normal when toddler asks for a bottle at bedtime during the transition period. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if toddler has significant tooth decay or dental pain.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Night feeds are essential at this age. Babies need to eat frequently and should not have feeds restricted overnight.
4-6 months
Night feeds are still normal and expected for most babies at this age.
6-9 months
Many babies still need one or two overnight feeds. Talk to your pediatrician about when night weaning may be appropriate based on your baby's weight and growth.
9-12 months
Many babies can drop night feeds by this age if growing well. If baby takes a bottle at bedtime, try offering it 30 minutes before laying them down rather than in the crib to avoid a feed-to-sleep association.
12-24 months
Night bottles should ideally be discontinued by 12-15 months. Milk pooling around teeth overnight causes baby bottle tooth decay. To wean: gradually reduce the amount in the night bottle by half an ounce every few nights, switch to water in the bottle, or replace the bottle with a cup of water and a comfort object. Expect some pushback for 3-5 nights.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed my toddler still wants a bottle at night and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if toddler is over 18 months and you cannot get them to give up the night bottle.
- Mention if toddler has visible tooth decay or discoloration from night bottles.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Toddler asks for a bottle at bedtime during the transition period
- Toddler takes a few nights to adjust to no night bottle
- Toddler accepts water in a cup as a replacement
- Toddler is over 18 months and you cannot get them to give up the night bottle
- Toddler has visible tooth decay or discoloration from night bottles
- Toddler drinks large amounts of milk overnight and is not hungry for meals during the day
- Toddler has significant tooth decay or dental pain
- Toddler is choking or gagging on the bottle while lying down at night
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice my toddler still wants a bottle at night — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that toddler asks for a bottle at bedtime during the transition period — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Offer feeding in a calm, distraction-free environment. Avoid forcing or pressuring your baby to eat.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if toddler has significant tooth decay or dental pain.
Related Conditions
Toddler Still Using a Bottle
The AAP recommends weaning from the bottle by 12 to 18 months of age. Prolonged bottle use, especially with milk or juice at bedtime, can contribute to tooth decay, ear infections, and excessive calorie intake. But if your toddler is still attached to their bottle, you are not alone. Many families find this transition challenging, and there are gentle strategies that can help make the switch to cups.
Weaning Off the Bottle
The AAP recommends beginning the transition from bottles to cups around 12 months and completing it by 18 months. Prolonged bottle use is associated with tooth decay, excess calorie intake, and iron deficiency anemia from drinking too much milk. A gradual approach that replaces one bottle at a time with a cup usually works best and causes less distress for everyone.
When Should I Stop Night Feeds?
Most healthy, full-term babies who are growing well can sleep through the night without feeds by 6-9 months, though some may need feeds longer. Readiness signs include good weight gain, eating well during the day, and waking at consistent times rather than from hunger. Night weaning should be discussed with your pediatrician, as premature or underweight babies may need night feeds longer.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Feeding & Nutrition Guide
Complete guide to breastfeeding, formula feeding, and solid food introduction.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is my toddler still wants a bottle at night normal?
When should I call the doctor about my toddler still wants a bottle at night?
When is my toddler still wants a bottle at night normal?
What causes my toddler still wants a bottle at night?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about my toddler still wants a bottle at night?
Is my toddler still wants a bottle at night normal at 0-3 months?
Is my toddler still wants a bottle at night normal at 4-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for my toddler still wants a bottle at night?
Does my toddler still wants a bottle at night go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Toddler Still Wants a Bottle at Night.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed my toddler still wants a bottle at night and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if toddler is over 18 months and you cannot get them to give up the night bottle.
- Mention if toddler has visible tooth decay or discoloration from night bottles.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Toddler is over 18 months and you cannot get them to give up the night bottle
- Toddler has visible tooth decay or discoloration from night bottles
- Toddler drinks large amounts of milk overnight and is not hungry for meals during the day
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Toddler has significant tooth decay or dental pain
- Toddler is choking or gagging on the bottle while lying down at night
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of my toddler still wants a bottle at night are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if toddler has significant tooth decay or dental pain.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Feeding Concerns
Toddler Still Using a Bottle
The AAP recommends weaning from the bottle by 12 to 18 months of age. Prolonged bottle use, especially with milk or juice at bedtime, can contribute to tooth decay, ear infections, and excessive calorie intake. But if your toddler is still attached to their bottle, you are not alone. Many families find this transition challenging, and there are gentle strategies that can help make the switch to cups.
Weaning Off the Bottle
The AAP recommends beginning the transition from bottles to cups around 12 months and completing it by 18 months. Prolonged bottle use is associated with tooth decay, excess calorie intake, and iron deficiency anemia from drinking too much milk. A gradual approach that replaces one bottle at a time with a cup usually works best and causes less distress for everyone.
When Should I Stop Night Feeds?
Most healthy, full-term babies who are growing well can sleep through the night without feeds by 6-9 months, though some may need feeds longer. Readiness signs include good weight gain, eating well during the day, and waking at consistent times rather than from hunger. Night weaning should be discussed with your pediatrician, as premature or underweight babies may need night feeds longer.
When to Introduce Allergens to Baby
Current guidelines recommend introducing common allergens (peanut, egg, cow's milk products, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame) starting around 4-6 months when your baby is developmentally ready for solids. The landmark LEAP study showed that early introduction of peanuts (by 4-6 months) reduced peanut allergy risk by 80% in high-risk infants. Do not delay allergens - the old advice to wait until 1-3 years has been reversed because early exposure actually prevents allergies.
I'm Worried My Baby Is Aspirating During Feeds
Aspiration means liquid or food enters the airway instead of the stomach. Occasional coughing during feeds is common and does not usually indicate aspiration. True aspiration is less common and may present as recurrent respiratory infections, a wet or gurgly voice after feeds, or chronic cough. If you are concerned, a swallow study can provide a definitive answer.
When Does My Baby Need Amino Acid Formula?
Amino acid-based formulas (also called elemental formulas) are prescribed for babies with severe cow's milk protein allergy, multiple food protein intolerances, or conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis who cannot tolerate standard or extensively hydrolyzed formulas. They are the most hypoallergenic formula available because the proteins are broken down into individual amino acids, making allergic reactions virtually impossible.