Toddlers

• You can tell your baby may be ready to transition from a bottle to a cup when they can sit upright with minimal support and show interest in what others are drinking. They may be able to hold a cup and bring it to their mouth, swallow liquids without spilling too much, and show curiosity about cups during mealtimes. Babies who are starting to self-feed or explore solid foods are often ready to begin practicing with a cup as well. 

• Gradually start introducing a cup with milk before moving to water to help your baby adjust more easily. Choose colourful cups to make the process more visually fun and offer praise for trying. Offer a cup at mealtimes so your baby can mimic how you drink. 

• Avoid starting the transition during illness or big routine changes, as bottles are a source of comfort. 

• Phase out bottles slowly by swapping one bottle at a time, starting with mid-day feeds, then to morning and evening. 

Some babies form a strong attachment to their bottle, so it’s natural for you to feel a bit anxious about the transition to a cup.

It can take time for babies to adjust, and each child will respond differently. With patience and gentle encouragement, most babies learn to drink from a cup successfully. 

We've put together a guide to put your mind at ease and to help your baby move from the bottle to a cup with as little fuss as possible. 

Why do they need to move on from a bottle?

Babies should transition from bottle to cup because: 

Prolonged bottle use increases the risk for tooth decay and can lead to dental issues like an overbite or tooth protrusion. 

Toddlers tend to use their bottles for comfort (just like soothers) rather than because they're hungry or thirsty. As they develop and move on from drinking from a bottle, it's important to teach them how to manage and vocalise their feelings in other ways. 

Drinking from a bottle can encourage snacking behaviour. In time, this can contribute to excessive weight gain, or for some toddlers, poor growth, and a lack of important nutrients if they rely on a bottle instead of solid foods. 

Prolonged bottle use increases the potential for delays in speech development. 

Drinking from a bottle while lying down can lead to an increased risk of ear infections. 

There's no need to become overwhelmed by the thought of moving your mini-me on from their bottle. But it's good to be aware of the reasons why you should eventually ditch bottles so you can start supporting them through the change early on. 

When to start transitioning from a bottle to a cup

Babies can begin drinking water alongside their first meals from six months of age, regardless of whether they're breastfed, formula-fed, or combination-fed. That means you can start weaning them away from their bottle anywhere between six and twelve months. 

Before you begin the transition, you should make sure that your baby can sit up and hold their head steady independently. 

From around one year old, the Department of Health (DOH) recommends that all drinks be served in a cup. 

Having patience is key. Starting early with the transition can also help babies learn all about sipping, while also supporting the development of their hand-eye coordination and strengthening their facial muscles. 

You should bear in mind that every child's development timeline is unique, so don't be tempted to compare your baby to others. They will get there in their own time! 

Moving from a bottle to a cup doesn’t mean you need to stop giving your baby breastmilk or formula if you don’t want to. Offering water straight away can sometimes make the transition trickier, so many parents start by giving milk in a cup first. This helps your baby get used to drinking from a cup before introducing water. 

Remember, it’s a process that takes time and may get a little messy - with patience and encouragement, your baby will get there. Here are some top tips to make the transition smoother: 

1. Think about timing 

Your baby’s bottle is a source of comfort. Try not to start the transition during stressful times, such as illness or big routine changes, as it may be harder for them to adjust. 

2. Let them copy you 

Sit your baby in their highchair at mealtimes and offer milk in a cup. They’ll get used to sitting at the table and will naturally start to mimic how you drink from a glass. 

3. Transition gradually from milk to water 

Dilute their milk gradually to help them adjust to drinking water. To phase out bottles, start with the mid-day bottle, then move to morning, then evening, giving a few days or a week between each stage. Introduce the change positively, letting your baby know they’re growing up and now have a “new cup.” 

4. Out with the old, in with the new 

Keep old bottles out of sight and display fun, colourful cups instead. 

5. Be patient and supportive 

Give lots of praise, hugs, and extra stories at bedtime. Positive reinforcement helps them feel secure during the change. 

6. Start early 

Introducing cups gradually and reducing bottle feeds early helps toddlers adjust more easily to weaning. 

7. Reduce night-time feeds 

Night feeds can impact dental health. Try giving the last feed outside the nursery to break the association between the bottle and bedtime. This helps them transition to a more grown-up feeding schedule. 

8. Acknowledge emotional attachment 

If your baby is attached to their bottle, offer comfort in other ways: extra cuddles, stories, or a favourite toy can help them cope. 

9. Offer calcium-rich foods 

If you’re concerned about calcium intake after reducing bottles, include foods like cheese, yoghurt and other dairy snacks in their diet.