Weaning Off the Bottle
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rachel Kim, MD, RDN · Pediatric Nutrition Specialist
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Feeding challenges are one of the most common concerns new parents face. When it comes to weaning off the bottle, here is what the guidelines recommend.
The short answer
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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
- Usually normal when: Your child protests for a few days when a bottle is dropped but adjusts within a week
- Call your doctor if: Your child is showing signs of dehydration because they refuse both bottle and cup
- 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.”
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, CDC guidelines, 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. At 6-12 months, this is the ideal window to introduce cups so that your baby starts becoming comfortable with them before the actual bottle weaning process begins. Offer small amounts of water or breast milk in an open cup or straw cup at mealtimes. There is no need to eliminate bottles yet, but early exposure to cups makes the transition much easier later. It is generally considered normal when your child protests for a few days when a bottle is dropped but adjusts within a week. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child is showing signs of dehydration because they refuse both bottle and cup.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
6-12 months
This is the ideal window to introduce cups so that your baby starts becoming comfortable with them before the actual bottle weaning process begins. Offer small amounts of water or breast milk in an open cup or straw cup at mealtimes. There is no need to eliminate bottles yet, but early exposure to cups makes the transition much easier later.
12-24 months
Begin eliminating bottles one at a time, starting with the one your child is least attached to, usually a daytime bottle. Offer milk in a cup at meals and snacks instead. The bedtime bottle is typically the hardest to drop. Try moving it earlier in the bedtime routine so your child does not fall asleep with it, and offer comfort through a book or song instead.
24-36 months
If your child is still using a bottle at this age, it is important to work on transitioning. Some parents find that going cold turkey works well for toddlers who can understand a simple explanation. Others prefer a gradual approach, diluting milk in the bottle with water while offering full-strength milk in a cup. Talk to your pediatrician if you are struggling with the transition.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed weaning off the bottle and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your child is over 18 months and completely refuses to drink from any type of cup.
- Mention if your child is drinking excessive amounts of milk from a bottle, more than 24 ounces per day, and eating very little solid food.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your child protests for a few days when a bottle is dropped but adjusts within a week
- Your child drinks less milk from a cup initially compared to what they drank from a bottle
- Your child asks for the bottle at bedtime but accepts an alternative comfort after a brief adjustment period
- Your child prefers a straw cup or open cup over a sippy cup or vice versa
- Your child is over 18 months and completely refuses to drink from any type of cup
- Your child is drinking excessive amounts of milk from a bottle, more than 24 ounces per day, and eating very little solid food
- You are concerned about your child's dental health due to prolonged bottle use, especially with milk at bedtime
- Your child has become significantly distressed and is eating or drinking very little since you started the transition
- Your child is showing signs of dehydration because they refuse both bottle and cup
- Your child has visible tooth decay that you believe is related to bottle use and has not been seen by a dentist
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice weaning off the bottle — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your child protests for a few days when a bottle is dropped but adjusts within a week — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 6-12 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 your child is showing signs of dehydration because they refuse both bottle and cup.
Related Resources
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 weaning off the bottle normal?
When should I call the doctor about weaning off the bottle?
When is weaning off the bottle normal?
What causes weaning off the bottle?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about weaning off the bottle?
Is weaning off the bottle normal at 6-12 months?
Is weaning off the bottle normal at 12-24 months?
Should I go to the ER for weaning off the bottle?
Does weaning off the bottle go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Discontinuing the Bottle. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
- [2]American Academy of Pediatrics. Recommended Drinks for Children Age 5 and Younger. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
- [3]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infant and Toddler Nutrition: Foods and Drinks for 12 to 23 Months. CDC
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Weaning Off the Bottle.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed weaning off the bottle and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your child is over 18 months and completely refuses to drink from any type of cup.
- Mention if your child is drinking excessive amounts of milk from a bottle, more than 24 ounces per day, and eating very little solid food.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your child is over 18 months and completely refuses to drink from any type of cup
- Your child is drinking excessive amounts of milk from a bottle, more than 24 ounces per day, and eating very little solid food
- You are concerned about your child's dental health due to prolonged bottle use, especially with milk at bedtime
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your child is showing signs of dehydration because they refuse both bottle and cup
- Your child has visible tooth decay that you believe is related to bottle use and has not been seen by a dentist
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 weaning off the bottle are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child is showing signs of dehydration because they refuse both bottle and cup.
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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