By what age should a child be weaned from a bottle and no-spill sippy cup?

By what age should a child be weaned from a bottle and no-spill sippy cup?

• A. By 15 months
• B. By 12 months
• C. By 18 months
• D. By 24 months

Answer: (A)

Weaning from the bottle to a cup is timed to prevent dental decay and support proper oral-motor development. Prolonged bottle use, especially with sugary liquids at naps or bedtime, raises the risk of bottle tooth decay and can delay a child’s ability to drink from a cup and eat independently. By about 15 months, many children have the coordination to sip from a no-spill cup and are ready to transition away from the bottle during meals and naps. Waiting longer—into 18–24 months—increases the risk of dental issues and can reinforce bottle dependence, while moving too early (before readiness) may lead to frustration and poor intake. Therefore, around 15 months is the recommended target.

Weaning from the bottle to a cup is timed to prevent dental decay and support proper oral-motor development. Prolonged bottle use, especially with sugary liquids at naps or bedtime, raises the risk of bottle tooth decay and can delay a child’s ability to drink from a cup and eat independently. By about 15 months, many children have the coordination to sip from a no-spill cup and are ready to transition away from the bottle during meals and naps. Waiting longer—into 18–24 months—increases the risk of dental issues and can reinforce bottle dependence, while moving too early (before readiness) may lead to frustration and poor intake. Therefore, around 15 months is the recommended target.