The twins turn a year old this month which means no more formula and no more bottles. Weaning off bottles can be a difficult task but I learned some tricks with my first two kids.

Our twins have never been laid down with a bottle, so that part isn’t going to be hard, thank goodness. We pulled their bottles on Sunday and as of today, they are completely happy without them! If you are in the same boat, here are some Tips for Weaning Off Bottles!

(I partnered with Nuby for this post. Any opinions and tips are 100% my own.)

My Best Tips for
Weaning Off Bottles

Tip #1 Set a Target Date

Start by setting a target date to get rid of bottles and follow through. Hide them, throw them away, or give them away so they are out of sight, out of mind.

Tip #2 Introduce a Sippy Cup

Usually after 6 months is a good time to try transitioning to a sippy cup. Signs to look for are when they can hold their bottle by themselves, if they show interest in what you are drinking, and can pull themselves up.

We started with the twins around 6 months and they do really well with their cups now. One thing I didn’t think about doing earlier, was putting their formula into their cups. One of the twins started showing less interest in bottles 2 months ago and the pediatrician recommended putting the formula into a sippy cup to make sure he was still getting enough formula.

Tip #3 Offer Water from Child-Sized Cups

When you have a glass offer your child a glass in a child-sized up as well. Little ones always love to do whatever mommy and daddy are doing so use that to your advantage!

My twins really like the Nuby No-Spill Printed Flip and I love the fact that they don’t spill everywhere. It has a straw which the twins figured out how to use very quickly. It’s also super easy to clean too, which I was worried about with the straw parts. Oh, and if your straw extension goes down the sink drain, you can use a regular straw cut to size. Not that it happened to us or anything…

Tip #4 Provide Alternative Bedtime Comfort

If your child is used to having the bottle at bedtime consider offering an alternative for comfort. A favorite blanket or stuffed animal are great options.

They say that the longer children use them, the harder weaning off bottles is. I remember my mom telling me how much I loved my bottle. I was well into toddler-hood before I finally got rid of the thing. Many years after, we found the bottle behind the refrigerator when a kitchen remodel was done. When I saw it, I didn’t have any feelings whatsoever. So, you see, they will get over it.

Whatever you do, have patience and understanding when weaning your child off bottles. Can you imagine if you all the sudden had something taken from you that you used every day of your life? Your car, your favorite lunch, Facebook?