As your little one grows, you might be curious about when they’ll take the reins at mealtime and start holding their own bottle. This exciting milestone usually begins around the 6-month mark, but don’t worry if your baby takes a bit longer—some may not be ready until they’re closer to 10 months. Every child develops at their own pace, and it’s perfectly normal for some to prefer letting caregivers do the feeding for a while.
Signs That Indicate Your Baby is Ready to Hold Their Own Bottle
Look out for signs of readiness! Your baby might start showing interest in grabbing the bottle during feedings or trying to mimic your actions. Once they can sit up well on their own and have good hand-eye coordination, they might be ready to give it a go.
A common question parents have is whether it’s okay to prop the bottle for their baby. While it might be tempting, it’s generally best to hold it for them to prevent choking and encourage bonding during feedings.
And what about leaving them alone with a bottle? It’s advisable to supervise your baby while they’re drinking to avoid any mishaps. If your little one isn’t interested in holding their bottle, it might just be that they enjoy being fed or haven’t had the chance to practice yet.
If you’re thinking about transitioning to a sippy cup, it might be a good idea to start that around the same time they’re learning to hold their bottle. If you want to dive deeper into the topic of transitioning, check out this related blog post for more insights.
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In summary, your baby will likely start holding their own bottle between 6 to 10 months, depending on their unique development. Pay attention to their cues and provide opportunities for practice, while also ensuring their safety during feedings.