As a mum, stopping your child from bottle feeding has been a struggle for some babies find comfort in feeding through bottle. Babies tend to make it a habit. But, have you ever wonder why, when and how to stop your child from bottle-feeding?

Why

Prolonged bottle-feeding may lead to increased risk of tooth decay. This happens most especially when you feed your baby before bedtime and did not brush his teeth after. Milk left around your baby's teeth may lead to developing cavities.

It may also linked to obesity. Babies getting fed through bottle tend to drink more milk than those who drink from sippy cup. While it could be comfort to just give your baby a bottle of milk whenever he cries, a baby should not get milk more than 16-24 oz. daily.

It can also lead to having crooked teeth. Babies' way of sucking the bottle may affect development of the muscles, mouth and palate.

When

Your baby's 6th-9th month is the best time to introduce sippy cup. You may give your baby 1-2oz of milk (breastmilk or formula like Dumex Mamil Gold) and water as a start. Around 1 year old, you may totally stop bottle-feeding and have your little one drink milk from the sippy cup.

How

It could be difficult for both you and your baby when you need to stop the bottle-feeding. Being independent to it, it will take a little time.

You may use sippy cup with hard spout or straw. Hard spout not only benefit the baby's teeth but also helps in transitioning process.

In addition, you may also start introducing solid foods like fruits to your baby during this stage. A teaspoon of banana or a small slice of apple could be a good start.

Moreover, stopping your child from bottle-feeding requires a lot of patience as a mum. It could be a hard time, but be motivated that you are just guiding and giving your child the best care.

You have given him the proper formula, now it is time to walk him through the next stage of his development. Help him become independent. Start through these small little ways.