The bedtime bottle is usually the last one to go, often between 12-18 months. While it can be comforting for your little one, holding on to it for too long can affect their dental health and make the switch to a cup more difficult. Plus, it can create a strong sleep association, leading to frequent wake-ups at night.
Contributing to sleep issues—we need to give the body time to digest, and the digestive system warms up the body, preventing the necessary drop in temperature for sleep—your child might also rely too much on the bottle to fall asleep. Other concerns include the risk of cavities and ear infections from drinking while lying down.
Steps to Wean Off the Bedtime Bottle
Introduce a Cup: Start offering milk in cut with a straw or an open cup before the bedtime routine. This helps your child get used to a new way of drinking milk.
Separate Feeding from Bedtime: Keep the bedtime routine consistent to provide comfort. Include extra snuggles, a calming bedtime, and predictable actions each night, making sure your little one goes to bed wide awake. Need a detailed plan? Click here for a full sleep plan and settling technique.
Brush Teeth After Milk: Make sure to brush your child's teeth after they drink milk to prevent cavities and ensure they're awake before bed.
Handling Resistance
Weaning off the bottle can be tough, especially with morning and bedtime bottles used for comfort. Changing these routines takes time.
Be Patient and Consistent: Stick to the new routine, and give your child time to adjust.
Acknowledge Their Feelings: If your child gets upset, acknowledge their feelings. You might say, "I know you’re upset, but here’s your milk." This shows you understand while reinforcing the new routine.
Sleep Training Methods: If your child has trouble falling asleep without the bottle, use a sleep training method that works for you. Make sure you have a plan to keep them from being too tired or not tired enough. Personalized support can be found in the Your Dream Plan for babies 3-18 months and toddlers 2-5 years old. This process can take as little as 3-5 days depending on your approach.
Additional Comfort Measures
While bottles offer comfort, there are other ways to calm and comfort your child at bedtime:
Offer a Lovey or Blanket: A special toy or blanket can provide security and comfort (make sure it’s safe and not before 12 months).
Extra Cuddles: Spend a few extra minutes cuddling during the bedtime routine to offer additional comfort.
Consistency is Key: Be predictable and consistent every night, and your child will adapt to the new routine.
Weaning off the bedtime bottle is a big step in your child's development. While it can be challenging due to the comfort the bottle provides, it’s important for their physical, emotional, dental, and overall health. Every child is different, so give yourself and your child the time to adjust. Having a plan will help make the process smoother and less stressful for everyone.
