We have been having extensive discussions on my Instagram account (which you can find here) with fellow moms, and lately, I must admit that one question keeps coming up quite frequently:
At what age ‘should we’ eliminate the evening bottle for our baby?
As I often explain, milk should remain the foundation of a baby’s diet until they reach 12 months old (to know the daily milk quantities your baby should drink, click here).
At the age of 12 months (1 year), a baby should consume approximately 500ml of milk per day, which can be divided into as many bottles as you prefer throughout the day.
Personally, I stopped the evening bottle with Alix when she turned 9 months old. While this may seem early to some, we quickly replaced it with a dairy product (find the dairy products suitable for babies here), and she loved it.
The bottle is a comforting object for a baby, and the earlier it is eliminated, the easier it is to break that habit. After 9 months, it becomes more of a ritual than anything else 🙂
So, is there really a specific age to stop the evening bottle?
I believe that, above all, it’s important to follow the baby’s needs and desires when it comes to their diet, as long as it remains healthy and appropriate. Avoid creating frustration or deprivation. If your baby is eating properly and has no issues, there’s no need to change the routine if they are not receptive to it! You can offer a dairy product as a replacement over several days if you wish, but if it still doesn’t work… try again later 😉
Therefore, it is completely possible, if you feel a real attachment to the evening bottle from your baby, to keep it even at the age of one year and beyond. In fact, it can easily be considered as a dessert after a puree, or a complete meal by mixing puree with milk (using an XL nipple for thicker preparations, such as infant cereals).
Giving a baby a bottle in the evening: Are there any precautions to take?
YES! In order to avoid the risk of cavities, it is not recommended at all to give a bottle right before bed or even in bed itself. It would be preferable to give the bottle at least 30 minutes before bedtime. In this regard, don’t hesitate to inquire about brushing your baby’s teeth starting at 12 months of age, whether with your pediatrician or directly at the pharmacy. Start getting your baby accustomed to good dental hygiene from a young age with a small toothbrush and suitable toothpaste ;).
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