Nothing brings joy to a parent than tracking their baby’s progress. Every day the little ones grow older and need an adjustment of some things in their lives. One such thing is their feeding method. As the toddler progresses, they need to ditch the bottle. It might not be as easy as it seems, but it is necessary. Our dental specialists at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa can give you reasons why it's crucial.
When Should Babies Stop Using Bottles and Pacifiers?
Myths surround this question, but dental experts will tell you that 12 months of age is adequate. The child might not be ready to let go of their beautiful and warm bottle. Nevertheless, the parent ought to take the hard but necessary decision.
Why Is It Important to Stop Using the Bottles At 12 Months?
The bottle offers comfort to the baby so getting them to ditch it will be a task. They might throw tantrums and even cry during mealtimes, but that is typical of all one-year-olds. The Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa gives several reasons for adopting different feeding methods after 12 months.
1. It Reduces the Chances of Tooth Decay
The contents of a bottle stay on the baby’s teeth longer. This could be milk or juice. Milk contains lactose, while juice contains acids, all of which are a threat to the dental health of toddlers. Bottles increase the chances of cavity development. Some babies like to sleep with their bottles. This makes it even worse. When asleep, babies produce less saliva (saliva washes away leftover particles in the mouth).
2. The Bottle Could Increase Chances of Obesity
Researchers have been on this matter for quite a while and revealed some worrying facts. Babies who used the bottles even after the one-year limit are at risk of becoming obese. The weight issue strikes mainly at the age of 6. When a baby clings to their bottle for too long, they consume too many calories.
3. It Helps the Body Naturally Align Muscles and Teeth
In recent studies, crooked teeth are more common among children who were bottle-fed longer. Sucking for babies affects their facial muscles and palate development.
4. It Reduces the Chances of Ear Infection
It’s fun to watch a toddler curl up with their doll shaped bottle. It is also dangerous. Bacteria from the milk can cause harm to a baby’s ears faster than you think. When they sleep with the bottle, milk particles remain around the throat and develop bacteria. It is not hard for the bacteria to crawl through the Eustachian tube.
5. It Improves Iron Utilization
Cow milk is one of the many reasons babies don’t absorb and utilize iron. If the baby consumes too much of it (which they do with the bottles), then they will have trouble putting their iron to use.
How Can Parents Get Rid of The Bottle Effectively?
It is bound to be a stressful time for the parent and child. There are some tricks to smoothen the transition. The first step is to look out for signs that the baby is ready. There are several signs apart from the attainment of 1 year of age.
• The baby can comfortably sit up by themselves.
• The baby can follow a meal routine.
• Children already eating solid foods are clear to go.
Additional Tips
• Timing is important- The transition will be stressful itself, so don't combine it with other stressful events. Don't take away the bottle immediately before or after a house move or the birth of another little one.
• Make it about them and by them- When the time comes, let the toddler select the cup they want. The day should also be all about them to avoid rushing them.
• Make the process gradual- Introduce cups at selected mealtimes first. As they adapt, increase the number of times they use cups. When you feel it’s right, eliminate the bottle completely.
• Make it a one-time thing- Some babies might not appreciate the slow transition. Take the bottle away on the first day and walk the adaptation journey with them.
Getting a baby to let go of the bottle is not easy and can be stressful for the parent. However, we cannot ignore the dental implications of the bottle. It is advised that you do this with a lot of care and patience. It must be done but also done right. For more dental advice for your little one, visit us at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa. Contact us today to book an appointment!
