From Sippy Cup to Bottle
Dear Dr. Susan:
I have a 15 month old son, Jeremy. I know giving a bottle at bed time is a BIG NO-NO. How do I fix this? And is it true that bottle feeding should stop all together by the age of 1 year? I have two other children ages 18 and 12 (boys). I know I managed with them but they were much older than 1 year. And my 12 year old has had health problems since birth (congenital heart condition three surgeries and NF type 1) which delayed a lot of his physical development. I know I made a big mistake with giving Jeremy a bottle at bedtime, however, that is the only time he takes it and now I’m not sure how to fix my mistake.
Pat
Dear Pat:
Thank you so much for contacting our site.
At 15 months, most children will use a sippy cup (with lid on) and still get the sucking motion they like. Other solid foods are very interesting to a toddler, and they can enjoy eating and then drinking by themselves if you sit with them and encourage a conversation or read them a book. Start by reading a book to him while he’s eating lunch, then talk about how you are going to read to him at bedtime and offer him the bottler with only ½ the amount. He will have to take the “book” as a substitute for the discovery that the milk will disappear faster than before. Say to him “Wow, all gone, let’s read.” Don’t talk about the fact he had a bottle and now he’s not going to get as much. Stress the BOOK. Each week put a little less in the bottle, so he is not weaned too fast, so that he will get to love the routine of both, reading and bottle. When getting to the stage where there is not much milk (2-3 weeks) let him help you fill the sippy cup ½ way with diluted juice or water, and tell him “You may have this instead.” If he doesn’t want it, just ignore it. No giving in to his demands for the bottle. Don’t talk about it. Don’t say “you’re sorry.” Just bath, read 2 books and take the time to talk about what you read, so the time is taken up with an enjoyable activity. Tell him “you are so big” we can read 2 books. Never put any food in or near his crib. Don’t bribe him. Stick to the rule of the bath, books, bed. Tell him the rule every evening. He doesn’t need much liquid before bed, but let him have it in the bathroom while he’s brushing his teeth and before you change him.
There are great toddler books that you can get at the library that are larger print and he can point to things on each page. That keeps his hands busy. If he needs comfort, let him have a soft animal or love object to sleep with. No bottle!!!
If you need more ideas, let me know, because I do not know your child’s other eating and feeding habits. This method usually works after a few weeks. Always knock on his door to let him know you are coming in when he gets very upset about the bottle going away, but stand firm. Reassure him he uses a pacifier only in bed, though. He needs to talk and pacifiers during the awake times keep him from expressing himself.
Thanks again for writing to me,
Susan H. Turben, Ph.D.
