Transitioning from Bottle to Cup: A Guide by Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry of West Lebanon
Whether you breastfeed or bottle-feed, at some point, you will want your baby to start drinking from a cup. This transition is crucial not only for your child’s overall development but also for their dental health. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests putting the bottle away for good by 18 months.
The Danger of Prolonged Bottle Use
Extended use of baby bottles can negatively impact your child’s oral health in two significant ways:
- Orthodontic Issues: Long-term sucking can cause your child’s palate to narrow, increasing the likelihood of needing orthodontic treatment later in life.
- Tooth Decay: Bottles expose a baby’s teeth to sugary liquids for extended periods. Formula, cow’s milk, and juice contain sugars that can increase the risk of tooth decay.
To help protect your child’s teeth, encourage them to start drinking from a cup by their first birthday. Additionally, start wiping your baby’s first teeth with a damp gauze or washcloth, then graduate to a finger brush or baby toothbrush with a rice-sized smear of toothpaste.
Choosing the Best Sippy Cups
When selecting a sippy cup, look for one with a simple spout rather than a “no spill” spout. “No spill” cups have a valve beneath the spout that, while preventing spills, also makes it difficult for your child to sip easily. This design requires your child to suck hard on the spout, essentially replacing one type of nipple with another, which can slow down the sippy cup training process.
If spills are a concern, choose a cup with a weighted base to help keep it upright.
Gradually Transitioning from Bottle to Cup
Be patient during the bottle-to-cup transition. Once your child can use the cup, limit the bottle to plain water, making it less desirable. Gradually reduce the frequency of bottle use to allow your child time to adjust. After mastering training cups, start offering a small plastic cup without a lid and phase out the training cup.
Breastfeeding moms can skip the bottle phase altogether and decide how often to nurse in tandem with the sippy cup.
Decisions about weaning can be challenging as every baby is different. However, remember that everyone eventually learns to drink from a cup. For more information about bottle-to-cup transitions or to schedule a pediatric dental appointment for your toddler, contact Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry of West Lebanon.
At Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry, we are committed to supporting your child’s dental health from infancy through adolescence. Contact us today to ensure your child’s smile stays healthy and bright.
For any further inquiries or to schedule an appointment, please reach out to Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry. We are here to help with all your pediatric dental needs.
