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The transition from bottle to cup: an important milestone for every baby

19/11/2018

The transition from bottle to cup: an important milestone for every baby

Is anything better than watching your newborn growing and changing every day?

Every waking moment, your baby is taking in new information about the world and there are so many important milestones to enjoy: the first time baby says “Mommy or Daddy”, potty training and, even if at times it is considered to be a less important milestone, moving on from a bottle to a free-flow beaker and then a cup is a significant stage in your child's development.

For some toddlers making the transition from bottle to cup is not easy, while others just can’t wait.

Some experts suggest moving on to a cup at about 6 months, while others recommend 12 months as the most suitable age for this transition. Each child makes the transition at his or her own pace and as in any other important stage of his development; baby will need your help.

It's important not to rush and go at your baby's pace: the transition won't happen overnight, so just stay calm and give baby time to get used to a cup.

As with anything else important, what you need most is time, common sense and lots of patience.

Here are 5 simple suggestions to help your child ditch the bottle and master yet another milestone and new skill.

  1. Using a free-flowing spouted cup is the first stage of your baby’s progress to an open cup. Free-flow beakers are available in lots of different colours and shapes and help make this transition much easier for your child.
  2. Take the time to help your child make this transition: and above all make it a game. You can try making up stories about the cup so that it becomes magical for your toddler. This way the transition will be lots more fun.
  3. Once you pass on to a cup, take the bottle away in just a few days! Make the switch a quick one, otherwise the transition becomes more complicated for both you and your child!
  4. If your child just won’t have it, try giving him a drink he loves. This will comfort him and encourage him to try the cup!
  5. When your child does use the cup, offer plenty of praise and make him feel special. And remember to make the most of helping your child reach his or her milestones!

Like any other change, it won’t happen overnight. So arm yourself with patience and imagination, to make this very important developmental milestone special for your child!

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