teaching babies to hold bottles

I got a small Dr. Brown bottle so the babies can practice holding it and putting it in their mouth. They can do this if lying down, but they don't do it while on their bouncers (this is where I feed them). They aren't sitting up yet, so I don't want to put liquid in it while they are laying down (ear infections)...so I just leave it empty. Any other suggestions as to how to practice holding the bottle? When did yours start holding their own bottle?

 

Mine didn't start to hold their own bottles until 10 or 11 months old.

 

One day my girls just did it. I think they were about 6-7 months old. It was seriously one of my favorite milestones in the first year. I hope your two catch on soon!

 

What a blessing that was!! I never really thought about it...then it just happened. Cooper started first, at about 7 months. It looks hilarious because he's a little guy and the 8oz bottle looks so huge in his hands. Josie started very soon after, but still likes the snuggle time, so she's on and off.

 

It was 9-10 months here.

 

My boys started showing interest in holding the bottle at about 5 months. They always had to have a hand on it while we were feeding them. Now at 7 months they both have the ability to hold their own bottle. With the smaller 4oz. bottles they can do it no problem. With the larger bottles they have a hard time keeping the nipples full of formula if the bottle is full, so DH and I sort of "help" them with it. BUT if we are holding them for a feeding they will not feed themselves. It's almost like they think "why bother if mommy is holding me, she will do it" but if they are in their high chair or anywhere else they want to hold it themselves.

 

5-6 months here. I put a pillow on the floor and layed their heads on the pillow while they drank their bottles.

 

I went to work part time when the babies were 6 months old. By 7 months old, my exclusively breastfed babies were holding their own bottles. Babies pass milestones at different times. Good luck.

 

They still don't, and it's fine by me, that way I'm in control of the bottles and they won't suck on it on and off for an hour. Not really looking forward to sippies because of it. We still hold them, and DD actually wants to drink it while sitting now...

 

QUOTE(dezmitch @ Feb 4 2009, 11:32 AM) [snapback]1175873[/snapback]
I got a small Dr. Brown bottle so the babies can practice holding it and putting it in their mouth. They can do this if lying down, but they don't do it while on their bouncers (this is where I feed them). They aren't sitting up yet, so I don't want to put liquid in it while they are laying down (ear infections)...so I just leave it empty. Any other suggestions as to how to practice holding the bottle? When did yours start holding their own bottle?


DS started around 6 months and really could do it consistently at 9-10 months. DD has never shown any interest or inclination to hold her bottle to this day. She holds her sippy cup fine though.

 

Mine are already starting to grab their bottles and practice putting the nipples in and out of their mouths.

It's amazing to watch them exert their independence!

 

I think it was around 5 months or so~

 

Mine could do it by about 6 or 7 months but they will only do it for a minute before being distracted and wanting to go do something else so we still hold the bottles for them. They do sippy cups just fine though.

 

14 months. And we were done with them altogether at 15 months! Glad I didn't hold my breath waiting for this to happen - it just never did.

 

Mine didnt hold their own bottles until they were 9.5 months old. Just in time to start dropping bottles. ardon:

 

Babies do this at their own time, that being said, mine started to do this around 4-5 months old. Eventually they will do it! Hang in there, Momma!

 

Mine just did it one day when they turned 4 months old!

 

One of mine did it at 4 months....she clamped her fists around it and clutched it tightly. She just started doing it on her own...she loved her bottle!!
We kept her head elevated on a boppy. My other daughter learned at about 6 months. I remember helping my other daughter learn a little. We used Dr. Browns however I had some Avent ones and I remember putting the Avent sippy cup handles on the bottles to give her have something to hold.

 

They are just starting to get the hange of it. I put them in the bouncers to feed them and put a receiving blanket under the bottle to help with the angle, but they do hold it themselves.

 

Mine are practicing now but I think the bottles may be a bit wide and too heavy (we use the Born Free brand). I am waiting for the day though!!!!