Ask Our Expert - Holding Their Own Bottles

November 08, 2009

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Ask Dr. Jana Holding Their Own Bottles

QUESTION


Dear Dr. Jana, We have twin boys at home and have been wondering at what age we can expect them to hold the bottles on their own? — Two Boys in California

ANSWER	October 9, 2000


Dear Two Boys in California, I can well imagine that this would be an eagerly awaited event in your household, but there's no clear-cut age when a child begins holding his own bottle. It all depends on his rate of motor development, as well as his interest in taking charge of his bottle. While most full-term babies are able to bring objects to their mouths at around four months of age, holding a bottle is a more challenging task that often is not mastered until six to eight months. Even then, some babies will reject the idea, preferring to let their parents do the work for them. When your sons seem able to steady the weight of the bottle and bring it to their mouths, offer them the opportunity to hold their bottles on their own. In the meantime, don't try to prop the bottles in their mouths or let them sleep with a bottle, since it is not considered safe and can lead to tooth decay. — by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.

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