Bye-Bye Bottle

It's finally time. My child is old enough to be drinking from a cup; a sippy, if not an open-mouthed one. I reason that we've been making the switch for some time-after all, it is only milk that is served in a bottle. Juice comes from a sippy cup or a juice-box-we've even learned to get all of the juice out of the box without spilling or squeezing. But alas, it's time for us to change the way we consume liquids.

I've been trying for months to present milk in a cup. I even use a clear plastic one that lets my little lamb see the true color of what she's drinking. But she always frowns and puts the cup down, after tasting something that, in her mind, remains firmly associated with the original nutrition-delivery system.

It is interesting to hear complete strangers unabashedly holding forth on whether or not my chid ought to still be using a pacifier (they usually conclude that she shouldn't, and I go away guiltily vowing to rush her to an orthodontist to correct the supposed trouble I've caused). Then there are parents who swear their children never had any use for a pacifier, and preschools that offer the open cup at snacktime--is cup-drinking a learned social skill? Am I supposed to shame my child into moving toward it, or will she go there naturally as she develops?

It is said that cup-drinking should begin as early as six months. I'm ashamed. My child still cries for a binky. I did hear about a woman who breastfed her child until the age of five, and I couldn't help thinking there was something odd about nursing a child who was old enough to say clearly and understandably, 'Mumma. I'm hungry.'

This, however, is not breastfeeding. We're only serving milk in a bottle three times a day, and we're careful never to do it publicly, so self-conscious we are about the public perception of our feeding practices. The prevailing wisdom says that babies shouldn't have to give up the comfort and pleasure of the bottle until after their first birthday. Okay, we're well past that point. I'm aiming for sometime before the two-year mark.

So I don't pressure her to give up binky. We tried a few times, with little success. I gave in, and bought more of them so I can change them often and have one on hand for emotional-distress emergencies. Then the missing binky turned up in the car, and Little One was granted a few more weeks of sucking pleasure. This morning I made up a batch of bottles, and just as I was about to put the nipples on them, I promised myself that at some point this month, I'll buy sippy spouts instead.

copyright little turnips.com 2003-2005. All rights reserved

Lin Wu is the mother of a sixteen-month-old girl.

---

Should I Call The Doctor If My Baby Has A Fever

Sooner or later, your new baby will develop a fever.... Read More

Choosing a Personalized Baby Gift

Have you been invited to a baby shower or asked... Read More

Five Ready Signs to Start Potty Training

Starting new things for your child sometime difficult, but you... Read More

Baby Crib Safety - Frequently Asked Questions

The crib is where your baby will spend a lot... Read More

Important Features to Consider When Buying a Baby Crib

With all the different features of baby cribs, it can... Read More

Educational Toys That Stimulate Chidrens Mind

When children start to walk more steadily, run, push, pull,... Read More

Feng Shui Fertility: Six Ways to Create More Baby Chi

Today, feng shui is used for everything from arranging office... Read More

The Character Traits of a Scorpio Baby

Your Scorpio Baby..October 23 - November 21 Young Scorpios have... Read More

To Invite or not to Invite the Dad to the Shower?

Do you invite dad to the baby shower? As per... Read More

Baby Slings - Comfort for Both the Child and the Parent

Baby slings are one of those things that have been... Read More

Baby Development - But What Role do Parents Play?

It is truly amazing the development that a baby experiences... Read More

Potty Training After a Divorce or Separation

Many parents share custody of their children, which presents a... Read More

Raising Baby On The Cheap

Have you ever read those reports on the cost of... Read More

Potty Training At Daycare and Preschool

With 61% of children between the ages of birth and... Read More

What to Look For When Choosing Baby Furniture

If you're a new parent, be aware that you baby... Read More

The Scoop on Giving Your Baby Juice

Many moms like to think that as soon as their... Read More

Using Music To Calm Your Baby

Music is a wonderful way for you to calm and... Read More

Baby Shower Checklist for Planning a Baby Shower

Most shower checklists will suggest you start planning approximately four... Read More

A Birth Announcement That Is Both Practical and Sentimental

The best birth announcement is both practical and sentimental. Welcome... Read More

How to Choose a Diaper Pail for Disposable Diapers

When you have already made the decision not to use... Read More

The Personality Traits of A Baby Born During The Sign Of Cancer

Your Cancer Baby..June 21 - July 22A Cancer child can... Read More

Potty Training Your Child: The Five Potty Training Methods

There are many different ways to potty train your toddler.... Read More

Choose The Perfect Baby Shower Gift

The first thing you should do when trying to choose... Read More

10 Ways to Make Toilet Training Fun & Exciting

Blue & Yellow Make Green - Put a few drops... Read More

Baby Speech Development - Lost for Words

As children are growing from todddlerhood to childhood parents are... Read More

Wasp and Bee Stings to Babies

Are you expecting a baby? Are you planning on having... Read More

A Surprise Baby Shower Can Be the Perfect Way to Celebrate

Throwing a surprise baby shower doesn't have to be difficult.... Read More

Is It Colic, Infant Reflux, Or GERD? Learn How To Tell The Difference

It can sometimes be difficult for a parent to understand... Read More

How Often Should A One-Month Baby Go for Check Up?

What happen during the first month of your newborn, does... Read More

Infant Circumcision

If circumcision were a choice I had to have made,... Read More

Popular Baby Names

Are you looking for cute baby names? This article explains... Read More

Baby Girl Shower Invitations

Baby girl shower invitations basic theme is the welcoming of... Read More

Should Baby Bedding Be Tight or Loose?

Many parents already know that it is better not to... Read More