How to Take Away Bottles From Twins

Weaning a child off of the bottle is a slow and delicate process. The only difference between weaning a single baby and weaning twins is that you have twice the challenge. It is common knowledge that twins often share behaviors, this does not necessarily mean that they will react similarly toward weaning. Regardless of their individual reactions, taking your twins off the bottle can be done with a few gradual steps.

Things You'll Need

• Sippy cup
• Water

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Instructions

• 1

  Choose the right time. The University of California San Francisco Children's Hospital recommends that you wean your children between the ages of 12 to 18 months.

• 2

  Observe your twins' behavior. While age is a rough estimate for weaning, there are certain actions that your children will demonstrate to indicate that they are ready to drop the bottle. If they can sit up on their own, eat with a spoon, like solid foods and have consistent eating times, they are likely ready.

• 3

  Show your twins a sippy cup. In a way, sippy cups are like cars. You need to take them for a test drive before you get a feel for the vehicle. The same logic applies to weaning. Between 3 and 6 months, give empty sippy cups to your twins. Let them examine them to see how the objects feel in order to familiarize themselves with them.

• 4

  When your twins reach 8 to 10 months, slowly introduce the sippy cup. Use water, not cow's milk or juice. Milk or juice can be introduced after 12 months. Start by giving your child the cup once a day during a small meal. Keep the bottle during large meal times for now.

• 5

  Use the cup more frequently. Gradually add the cup to more meals on a weekly basis.

• 6

  Help your child use the sippy cup. Do not give them full control when drinking. Tip the cup slowly to give your twins small amounts of water.

• 7

  Be consistent. Give your twins their cups during the same meals every day.