By what age should toddlers transition from a bottle to a cup?

By what age should toddlers transition from a bottle to a cup?

• A. By 12 to 15 months old
• B. By 6 months old
• C. By 3 years old
• D. By 9 months old

Answer: (A)

Transitioning from a bottle to a cup around 12 to 15 months is the right timing because this is when many children have the motor skills to handle a cup and are ready to develop independent drinking habits. Moving away from the bottle early helps protect growing teeth from decay that can happen when a bottle is used for long periods, especially with milk or juice during naps or at night. Using a cup at meals also supports the development of self-feeding and proper mouth movements for talking and chewing. Waiting until later ages makes the habit harder to break and increases the chance of dental problems. So, aiming to switch to a cup by about one year aligns with both oral health and developmental readiness.

Transitioning from a bottle to a cup around 12 to 15 months is the right timing because this is when many children have the motor skills to handle a cup and are ready to develop independent drinking habits. Moving away from the bottle early helps protect growing teeth from decay that can happen when a bottle is used for long periods, especially with milk or juice during naps or at night. Using a cup at meals also supports the development of self-feeding and proper mouth movements for talking and chewing. Waiting until later ages makes the habit harder to break and increases the chance of dental problems. So, aiming to switch to a cup by about one year aligns with both oral health and developmental readiness.