Some babies form a strong bond with their bottle, so it's understandable that the idea of transitioning from bottle to cup can be emotional.
We've put together this guide to put your mind at ease and help support them to move from their beloved bottle to a cup, with as little fuss as possible.
Why your baby needs to transition from bottle to cup
Why should your baby move on to drinking from a cup?
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Prolonged bottle use increases the risk for tooth decay and can lead to dental issues like an overbite or tooth protrusion.
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Toddlers tend to use their bottles for comfort (just like pacifiers) rather than because they're hungry or thirsty. As they develop and grow, it's important to teach them how to manage and vocalise their feelings in other ways.
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Drinking from a bottle can encourage snacking behaviour. In time, this can contribute to excessive weight gain, or for some toddlers, poor growth or nutrient deficiencies, if they rely on a bottle instead of solid foods.
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Prolonged bottle use increases the potential for delays in speech development.
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Drinking from a bottle while lying down can lead to an increased risk of ear infections.
You shouldn’t feel pressured to replace their bottle immediately but it’s good to be aware of the reasons why you should, eventually, ditch their bottle so you can start supporting them through this next milestone.
When to transition from bottle to cup
Babies can begin drinking water alongside their first meals, from around 6 months of age (regardless of whether they’re breastfed, formula-fed, or combination fed). This means you can start weaning them off their bottle anywhere between 6-12 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 should be served in a cup.
Patience is key. Starting early with the transition can help your child learn all about sipping, while also supporting the development of their hand-eye coordination and strengthening their facial muscles. Bear in mind that every child's development timeline is unique, so don't be tempted to compare your baby to others. They’ll get there in their own time!
Short answer, it's up to you!
You can choose to use a sippy cup with a spout, or one with a silicone straw - either is fine. It's usually just a matter of testing to see which type of baby cup works for them. A cup with handles on either side can be helpful until they've developed a stronger grip.
Once they’ve mastered the art of sipping and can control their cup without too many spills, you can move them from a lidded beaker to a grown-up open cup. (Of course, if you pick one of our leakproof cup styles, they won’t spill at all!).
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Switching from a bottle to a sippy cup doesn't mean that you need to stop giving your child breast milk or formula, if you don't want to.
Offering them water in a cup straight away can be one change too many, in the beginning. Instead, let them drink their milk from a cup as they get used to the cup, then transition to water once they’re comfortable.
Remember that it's a process that will take time. It may be messy, with some spills along the way, but don’t feel disheartened! We’ve got 10 tips that can help you reach this milestone:
Think about the timing of the transition
Remember, your baby's bottle is a source of comfort for them. If they’re feeling unwell or going through a routine change (e.g. starting at a new childminder), it might be best to wait until they’re feeling more settled.
Encourage them to copy you
Try popping them in their highchair at mealtimes and offer them some breast milk or formula in a cup. That way, they will get used to sitting at the table to drink, and they'll start to mimic how you drink from a glass.
Transition from milk to water gradually
Try diluting their milk a little more each time to help them get used to drinking water. To cut their bottles out gradually, start by swapping the mid-day bottle first, then morning, then evening - waiting a few days (or even a week) between each stage.
Involve your child in this process. Let them know that, although they’re used to their bottle, they’re growing up now. A shiny new cup should sweeten the deal!
Out with the old, in with the new
Keep their old bottles out of sight and put their colorful new cups on display.
Make it fun
You could tell them that the Bottle Fairy is coming to visit and will bring them some nice new cups in exchange for their old bottles? Or, if it's Christmas time, perhaps Santa will come and swap their bottle for an exciting present!
Patience is key
Give lots of praise, and be affectionate - think more hugs, playtime, and extra stories at bedtime!
Start early
Gradually reducing the amount of milk offered in a bottle and introducing cups at an early age will prepare your toddler for their weaning journey.
Reduce the night-time feeds
Reducing night-time feeds will help protect their teeth and encourage them to quickly adopt their new 'big kid' feeding schedule.
Try giving them their last feed in another room (not in their nursery) to break the association of feeds and bedtime.
Understand they may have an emotional attachment
If they are attached to their bottle, try to comfort them in other ways, with stories, cuddles or by giving them their favourite toys.
Offer them other calcium-rich foods
If you're concerned that the move from bottle to cup will reduce their calcium intake, you can give them plenty of other calcium-rich snacks instead, such as cheese and yoghurts.
You can always reach out to your doctor or a dedicated paediatric dietitian for advice.
What should my baby drink once they’ve transitioned from bottle to cup?
Try sticking to putting only water in your baby's cup if you can. Sugary drinks like fruit squash, carbonated beverages, milkshakes, and fruit juice can trigger tooth decay. Children under 3 years of age shouldn’t drink or eat anything that contains artificial sweeteners.
If you do offer them fruit juice or squash, dilute it with water (this should be 10-parts water to just one-part juice). Serve this alongside a meal to help minimise the risk of tooth decay.
It's also handy to know that after the age of six months, it's fine to give your child water from the tap without sterilising it first. But you should always make sure that you clean all parts of your baby's cup thoroughly and pay extra attention to any spouts or valves.
Healthline has lots of information about drinks and cups for babies and young children.
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