According to the infant feeding guidelines, at what age should an infant begin introducing a cup to replace use of a bottle?

• A. At 6 months
• B. At birth
• C. At 12 months
• D. At 18 months

Answer: (A)

Introducing a cup around six months aligns with starting solids and supports the development of the oral muscles needed to drink from a cup. Beginning at this age helps establish a sipping habit early and reduces ongoing bottle use, which is important for protecting teeth from decay that can occur when bottles are used for extended periods, especially at night. Start by offering a small amount of water or breast milk in a training cup during meals, and gradually replace more bottle use with cup drinking as the child tolerates it. Waiting until birth is not developmentally appropriate, and delaying to twelve or eighteen months makes the transition harder and can prolong bottle dependence, increasing the risk of dental issues.