when should babies stop drinking from a bottle

Babies should generally stop drinking from a bottle between 12 and 18 months of age. It is recommended to start introducing a cup around 6 months and aim to complete the transition to cups by 12 months to avoid dental issues and promote proper feeding skills. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises complete weaning from the bottle by 15 months at the latest to reduce risks such as tooth decay and excessive calorie intake. Gradual weaning, swapping bottles for cups over time, especially starting with daytime bottles before night-time ones, is a common approach. Continuing bottle use beyond 12 months increases the risk of tooth decay and may interfere with a balanced diet and healthy feeding habits.