<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What’s The Average Age When A Baby Holds The Bottle?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like with anything in life, some people take longer to learn and do things than others. Perhaps the earliest a baby will hold their own bottle is around 6 months, but it can be any time from 6 months to 1 year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breastfeeding will almost certainly make a difference in the timing. If your baby has not had \u201cpractise\u201d as such with a bottle, they may not bother trying to hold it themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your baby is hungrier than other babies, you may find they want to hold the bottle earlier than other babies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The thing is, you\u2019re probably best not worrying about how long it\u2019s taking for your baby to hold the bottle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the time they get to one year, you\u2019ll want to wean them off the bottle anyway. So, don\u2019t hold this milestone to a \u201cmust happen\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Is My Baby Ready To Hold The Bottle? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Again, don\u2019t panic. If your baby isn\u2019t ready, they\u2019re not ready. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s nothing to worry about. There are things to notice though and if they happen, the likelihood of your baby being able to hold their own bottle is increased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Noticing your baby is sitting on their own? That\u2019s a good sign! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If they\u2019re holding themselves up and balancing if they\u2019ve got something in their hand or reaches for something and stays upright – they\u2019re certainly ready to hold their own bottle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another sign is if your baby is grabbing for (and trying to eat) their own food. They\u2019re starting to understand their own needs and limitations at the same time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Can I Do Anything To Encourage My Baby To Hold The Bottle?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, it just takes a little help for your baby to understand the way to hold things and this includes holding the bottle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A couple of things you can try and help your baby to hold the bottle are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

• Showing the baby the motions. Let your baby see what to do with items that are safe such as teething toys or bottles by doing it in front of them, but then show them the item goes from the floor to the hand to the mouth. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
  • Consider buying easy to hold bottles<\/a>. Sippy cups are easier to hold if they have handles.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    • Work as a pair – let your baby hold the bottle and then put your hand on it too. Gently move your hand towards their mouth. Over time, your baby should pick up the motions and build strength. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      • Speaking of strength building, try and develop your baby\u2019s strength with some games. \u201cTummy time\u201d is a technique tried and tested. It involves putting your baby on their tummy and putting something in reach of their hands. Over time, they\u2019ll build the strength to move and pick things up on their own. Tummy time is a fantastic way to build a baby\u2019s core strength and skills.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        When your baby is younger, tummy time can be done on your chest, but when the baby is older – put a comfortable mat or blanket<\/a> on the floor and watch from a close position.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        <\/div>\n\n\n\n

        Things To Consider <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Wanting to get your baby to hold the bottle is definitely a good thing, but there are a few things to consider when transferring the \u201cpower.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Understanding first what the bottle is for. We know that food and drink is for sustenance but a baby might use their new skills as a comfort technique or a way to help them go to sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        If you\u2019re noticing that the bottle is moving more into these categories, it\u2019s worth stepping in and changing the times and areas the baby has the bottle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Second is where the baby is having the bottle. As we\u2019ve said, sometimes a baby will use a drink as a way to get to sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Try to avoid putting the bottle in their crib – dried milk can gather in the baby\u2019s mouth and lead to teething issues like decay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Another problem is that it\u2019s a potential choking hazard. It\u2019s always better to give your baby their food before they go to bed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Finally, it\u2019s important to avoid using anything to keep the bottle in their mouth. It might seem a good idea to have something to prop the bottle up for your baby, but it\u2019s not a good idea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        This can promote overeating, could lead to choking and can make your baby avoid using their hands for the bottle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        <\/div>\n\n\n\n

        Is It Essential That My Baby Learns To Hold The Bottle?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        If you\u2019re wondering if your baby would not learn the same skills as others, or how a breastfed baby learns the same skills as a bottle fed baby – you\u2019re not alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        It isn\u2019t necessarily essential for your baby to learn to hold the bottle, but it does develop essential skills that will help over time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Consider using some of the techniques outlined above which should help in your baby\u2019s development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Most babies will learn the hand-to-mouth actions up until the age of 1 and further develop their skills throughout infancy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Again, don\u2019t worry if your baby isn\u2019t as advanced as you\u2019d expect, you\u2019ve got to allow time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        However, if your baby isn\u2019t showing any development by the time they\u2019re 1 years old, it\u2019s a good idea to speak with a pediatrician or health advisor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        And that is all you need to know! Congratulations on your newborn<\/a> baby and good luck!\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        One of the greatest things about being a parent is when your child reaches a milestone. The first steps, the first time they tie their shoe and as adults, when they get married or graduate college. One of the earliest milestones though is when your baby holds their own bottle. You will feel so proud… Continue reading How To Teach Baby To Hold A Bottle<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2899,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[61],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n