Sipper bottles, also known as sippy cups, are typically introduced once a child is ready to transition from breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. This is often around the age of 6 to 9 months. However, it's important to note that all children develop at their own pace, and the exact timing will depend on your child's individual development and comfort.
Sippy cups are designed with a spout and sometimes handles, making it easier for little hands to hold and drink from independently. They can be a great tool for helping your child transition to drinking from a regular cup.
However, pediatricians and dentists recommend that sipper bottles be used as a transition tool rather than a long-term drinking solution. Prolonged use can potentially lead to tooth decay, particularly if the bottle contains anything other than water, and can also delay the development of more mature drinking skills.
So, while sipper bottles can be introduced around 6 to 9 months of age, it's generally suggested to start phasing them out around the age of 1, and ideally, your child should be off the sipper bottle entirely by age 2 to 3.
