Are you tired of seeing your little one cuddle up with their baby bottle like it's their new BFF? While bottles may seem like a comfort blanket for our toddlers, do not worry because we have some tips and tricks to help leading them down the weaning path. It's time bid adieu to the sippy cup (or bottle) once and for all!
When is the right time?
Before diving into "how", let's talk about when you should begin weaning your toddler off those trusty milk-filled containers. Doctors typically suggest starting this process between 12-14 months because nobody wants a five-year-old still taking swigs from their favorite green sippy cup. However, some parents choose to keep their child attached until three years old when they are more emotionally matured.
It is essential that you wait until your little tot can consume cow's milk or other dairy alternatives without any issues as they will require something else in place of breastmilk/formula. A suggestion would be consulting with your pediatrician before making any decisions on switching milk products.
The 'slow' approach
As mentioned above, there are multiple approaches one can take if they want to revert away slowly from bottles-up-every-day.
- Start by taking away one feed at a time.
- Be prepared for possible backslides/snags during transitioning periods – i.e., Sudden onset sickness or teething complications.
- Gradual lessening over weeks instead of going cold turkey.
- Practice patience and stay persistent!
Taking it slow ensures that both you and your toddler adjust smoothly over an elongated period while avoiding undue stress/anxiety. Remember each child responds differently; therefore, tailor/adjust methods according to how your youngster handles things best.
Additionally:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Child will have time to get used to change. | Progress can take longer than preferred for some adults/toddlers. |
| Happier experience for all parties involved since no eliminating abruptly. | May be difficult to keep track of progress while progressing a little at a time. |
The 'cold turkey' approach
For the brave-hearted individuals who love the thrill and would much rather go with an aggressive strategy, which is our Cold Turkey Approach!
Cold Turkey means that you're going to bid farewell (Bye Bye Bottle) abruptly!
Without further ado, let's jump into what makes this approach different from any other – it takes courage and grit!
Some critical information below;
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rapid termination- quick ending! | Potentially sudden stoppage can lead children astray/negative emotional impact longterm. Yeilding parents are ready emotionally prepped then move fast might result better situation compared taking everything slow. Some toddlers may resent or feel frightened by sudden absence of bottle they’ve come to depend on |
| Child will become independent quickly and self-soothe without comfort objects . | This method requires more effort/ patience initially in preparing yourself, sprinting totally dependent on item before retiring You’ll also need consequence backup strategies plans.. |
In summary, whether one chooses Cold-Turkey or SlowbyTurtle-the-Snail-Approach, there are always pro-cons concerning either route.
Now it's time for selecting what next after removing that silicone nipple once and for all? Majority of kids turn towards sippy cups/mugs as their primary drinking source during or after transitioning period because they still provide confinement like bottle gave them formerly. Something about holding onto something until comfortable enough just seems less daunting.
When selecting your toddler's new cup/bottle, some essential aspects are to keep in mind include stability, affordability/budget friendly, hygienic materials (doesn't break/damage easily), non-leakage feature – yes, just like warning labels 1, and easy grip handles for their littlest of hands.
Once you've acquired your preferred sippy cup/mug choice(s), introduce yourself and tell about this great replacement friend that's going to support bedtime routines so they would look forward to the transition. This will help make it feel more comfortable while staying mindful NOT getting fixated with any new comfort object again.
Don’t forget if we want a journey to be tasty what better way than having refreshing new tastes?!:
New Milks?
It's time for exploring different milk choices other than traditional cow’s milk! Be open-minded when thinking of alternatives such as Plant based milks (Soy/almond/oat/hemp/rice).
Some different type's impacts expect;
| Almond Milk | Coconut Milk |
|---|---|
| Suitable for children who're lactose intolerant or have allergies Fewer Calories. Nutrients information high compared Cow’s milk(Not all) . |
Less Calcium Content (lowest among dairy-free alts) Slightly watery Texture |
Juices?
Juice is always a kid-favorite and inspired parents combine juices with daily diet instead of adding an excessive amount of chocolate-flavored syrups! Unrefined fruit juice does benefit toddlers rather concentrate versions which has added sugar plus preservatives at times makes the taste worse2
Another favorite option is smoothies!
Try blending various fruits means creating palate pleasers like mango-pineapple mix-ups-protein booster yogurt blend gives growing muscles much crave!
The Gummies Saga
So-called "Gummy bears" never looked better made huge strides in kiddie's diet lately. Due to its chewy nature, they can often replace the role of the pacifier when placed inside sippy cups and even facilitate an easier transition. Remember not all vitamins nor supplements are suitable for kids to intake or require proper monitoring from time-to-time.
The introduction of a new cup comes along with trying to wean off from bedtime bottle feedings making it decently daunting logically because these night feeds have become a consistent staple in their routine.3
Here are some proactive steps you've got to consider adopting straightaway:
We suggest starting by slowing decreasing both feeding intervals/ounces till hitting zero Around this removing sumthin then provided like books which would assist as it’s soothing. Cuddling/hugging- what child cannot resist that? Extra attention from parents makes change smoother!
By doing any step mentioned earlier, gradually recognized breaking habit(s) so baby stays composed without leaving them scared over sudden changes.
Conclusion
Weaning bottles may seem more complicated than intended; following a few simple tactics as stated above helps advance thing systematically!
Cutting ties with cold turkey might make toddlers unhappy/shocked(in most cases); slow procedure won't guarantee quick results but will ultimately help avoid negative longterm effect outcomes due to emotional preparedness through adapting first hand.
There you go; now your toddler's bottles belong only on display shelves gaining coloration with age instead within childish grip anymore…at least until grandkids around 25 years later starts tugging/scaling at em'.
References: 1: Bates JE et al <"Parental belief systems and socialization goals affect teething.,"> Soz Praventivmed 2000. 2:Matejek JS, Danford DE<"Sugary drink consumption by Ohio preschoolers:" Journal Am Diet Assoc May 2010. 3: Bonuck KA, Freeman K <"Reducing Nighttime Bottle Feeding Among Children Through Primary Care Parenting Interventions," Pediatrics September 2018).