| WEANING FROM THE BREAST OR BOTTLE
Tips for weaning from either the breast or the bottle
Many ten- to 24-month-olds still cherish a milk or juice bottle from time to time, and there's no particular reason for them to give up the bottle entirely if they are strongly attached to it. What is important, however, is for the child to be familiar with a drinking cup so that she can gradually outgrow the bottle.
Some children use bottles as comfort objects, which has a definite downside, since it can lead to weight problems and tooth decay (if the bottle is filled with milk or juice). Later on, dependence on a bottle can get in the way of a smooth transition to preschool, where bottles usually are not permitted.
Encourage your baby to taper off her bottles by introducing the cup as a fascinating and wonderful object. Be patient about spills (even spouted cups can be made to pour), and let the baby explore the cup the way she explores all other objects. At the same time, make the bottle less interesting by filling it with plain water. It may not be possible to make this change abruptly; instead, start by sneaking one or two water-filled bottles every day. The before-bed bottle is usually the last to go. If your child still wants it, keep this bottle as part of your evening ritual for a few more months, but be sure to clean the baby's teeth between bottle and bedtime each night. Never leave the bottle in her mouth after it's empty.
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Toddler Hooked on the Bottle
Q: Our 22-month-old doesn't eat much--she prefers to drink milk from a bottle. We can get her to eat a little at each meal, but after only a few mouthfuls she loses interest and asks for a bottle. We've tried giving her milk in a cup, but she's not interested. Any suggestions?
A: By gradually weaning your child off the bottle, she'll gain interest in eating more solid foods and will eventually drink milk from a cup. Start by giving her a bottle of milk at only two designated times each day. Just before her nap and bedtime are best--avoid offering it to her around mealtimes.
During meals, offer juice in a cup. She'll whine and cry for her bottle, but if you really want to help her kick the habit, don't provide it. With less milk, your child will be hungrier at mealtime and her interest in solid foods will increase.
You're probably fearful that she will be hungry when you deprive her of milk and the nutrients it provides. You undoubtedly worry that her growth rate will diminish, and that she'll be sick or less energetic. These things probably won't happen at all, but do keep a watchful eye--not over the next couple of days but over the next few weeks--as she moves through this period of transition.
Keep in mind that when she whines for her bottle it's not because she needs it for emotional stability. It's the change she's resisting. She loves her bottle--it's familiar and comforting. Through this period of transition, she'll need extra holding, comfort and understanding from you.
Make certain at the start that you're going to stick with your plan to gradually eliminate the bottle. If you're wishy-washy you only confuse her. If you fear you'll buckle under when her whining turns to demands and temper tantrums, let her keep it--she may eventually lose interest all on her own.
Finally, please discuss the issue with your child's doctor, as he has a better understanding of her nutritional needs.
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BEDTIME WITHOUT A BOTTLE
Preventing bottle induced tooth decay
If you've gotten in the habit of putting your baby to bed with a bottle of juice or other sweetened liquid, you could be causing unnecessary harm to her health. The sugar in these liquids promotes what is known as nursing bottle decay, which essentially creates dental problems for your child soon after she has grown her first teeth! Decay first apears along the gumline behind the upper front teeth. From there, it usually spreads to affect some or even all of the front teeth.
Dangers to sleep-time feeding include:
•Human milk
•Cow's milk, formula
•Fruit juice
•Sweetened tea
•Soft drinks
•Soothers dipped in honey or other sweetened substances
Here are some basic ways you can prevent decay:
•Clean your child's teeth daily.
•At bed-time, you should only give your child a bottle filled with water.
•When your child is thirsty, try to give her water instead of sweet drinks.
•Give your child juice from a cup or a spoon as opposed to a bottle.
Nursing bottle decay is something that can be treated if you act early. If you see brown spots on your child's teeth, visit the dentist. Early treatment can prevent the permanent teeth from being affected. Keep in mind that teeth that have begun to decay this early on in your child's life are at a heightened risk for other kinds of decay in later life.
MOUTH CARE FOR YOUR INFANT-TODDLER
It's important that you establish healthy dental habits for your child early on--meaning that you need to clean your infant's mouth soon after birth. Regular mouth care will massage the gums and ease some of the discomfort that your child will experience during teething.
To clean your baby's mouth, you should brush or wipe all around the gums and teeth. Use a damp facecloth, and then switch to a soft baby toothbrush as teeth appear. Just remember that the toothpaste that you use should contain fluoride, and only a very small amount is necessary.
When your child is about two, you should encourage her to try to brush her own teeth. She'll attempt to mimic what you have been doing. It's important that you finish her job each time, though, to ensure that her teeth have been thoroughly cleaned.
Information provided by the College of Dental Surgeons of B.C
All info obtained from family.com
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Toddlers and Bottles 
