Does anyone know what I can do to try to get him to hold his own bottle and drink from the sippy by himself? I've tried putting his hands up but he let's go and I even have to hold his sippy cup up...any suggestions??
2006-07-12 10:10:07 · 12 answers · asked by YD 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Does you son pick up toys or grab crackers, if he does, then it seems nothing is wrong with the development of his hand-eye coordination skills. So, the most likely reason your son won't pick up his own bottle is simply because he doesn't want to.
For an 9-month-old, feeding time is more than a time to deliver milk — it's an important social interaction. Babies love the comfort and warmth of cozying up in caregivers' arms to nurse from a bottle. In your baby's developing mind, there's just something wrong with the thought of feeding himself. And he's right: At least for the first year, there should always be a person at both ends of the bottle.
The thought of baby serving himself — especially at night — can be tempting. But when a baby lies flat with a bottle, formula can enter his middle ear from the back of the throat, and increase the chances of an ear infection. Also, during sleep, the natural rinsing action of saliva in the mouth shuts down. This allows the sugars in the formula to bathe the teeth, contributing to tooth decay and "bottle mouth." There is also the risk that your baby could spit up or choke on the formula, and you wouldn't be there to help. Your baby is smart to want someone else to feed him.
Think of your son's hesitation to hold his bottle as a signal that he enjoys feeding time, and loves you to give him the bottle. Make bottle-feeding time bonding time: Sing lullabies to your baby, caress your baby, and give him loving eye-to-eye contact during bottle-feeding. And if he just wants to get down to the business of sucking, let him feed without much interaction.
2006-07-12 10:16:51 · answer #1 · answered by Evy 4 · 6⤊ 3⤋
If all his other motor skills seem fine, maybe he just likes the affection you are providing him by giving the bottle too him. He's only 9 month old. He's still an infant, give it time. If you leave the baby alone a lot, or you are leaving him with a babysitter, maybe he misses you and likes you to be close. Let him do these things when he want too. Don't try to make him grow up too fast or before it you know it you won't have a baby any more but a big boy. Enjoy him while he's little!
2006-07-12 17:26:31 · answer #2 · answered by The lady 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son had this same problem i went to the dr for his check up and one question they asked was are his motor skills what they should be i told him that he wasnt holding his own cup and the doctor said he could feel im not giving him attention other wise they do stuff to make you fufill there needs so maybe you could try to hold the baby more or just let time take care of it i know the holding the baby wasnt an option for me im a single mother and he had to go to daycare but he is now 14months and he is very anle to do what he wants now so dont worry it will happen when it really needs to
2006-07-13 08:23:13 · answer #3 · answered by Rachel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
does he hold toys and grab for stuff if he does then he probably is just testing you. Try going to a store and hold up 2 different sippy cups and see if he will choose one. If he isn't holding on to anything then I would go see the doctor there might be more problems
2006-07-12 17:15:34 · answer #4 · answered by HPEmomofone 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My daughter was the same way. Most likely the reason he doesn't is because, put simply, he doesn't have to. I found this to be true. My solution was to put her in her high chair give her a sippy, or her bottle and "ignore" her. When she thinks i'm not watching she's much more capable than i give her credit for. Good luck:)
2006-07-12 17:34:03 · answer #5 · answered by Amy K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stop doing it for him. When he gets thirsty enough (yes, he will scream and demand you keep things the way they always have been...), he will do it himself! It's amazing what a little "logical consequences" will do!! Kids are very resourceful, and manipulative even at that early age, so will learn what they can get away with very early. It may take a day or so, but if you are persistent and equally determined that you get your way and not hold it for him, he will get the hint very quickly! He won't dehydrate that quickly. He may have learned that if he yells and fusses long enough, you'll give in. That is a bad precedent to set for the long term. It will carry over into their later childhood, and teen age years (yes, even adults can be demanding!!). Start now, and make him realize that it's ok to do things your self - who knows, it might even be good for you! :) Good Luck!
I've done daycare for 23 yrs - I know whereof I speak!!!
2006-07-12 17:24:31 · answer #6 · answered by Irishgal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you've taken him to the doctors and they said everything was fine, my next suggestion is to give him some time, We tend to judge our kids and compare them to other children. The truth is that children learn at there own speed and usually by the age of one there motor and coordination skills are developed so give him some time he'll come around...
2006-07-12 17:19:11 · answer #7 · answered by lashawn0676 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my 10-month old did the same thing. He still will not hold it if i am holding him. He will in the car and in his highchair. He prob knows how, but knows you will do it. Do not give him a choice and i bet he will. They will not be babied forever so take advantage of it now.
2006-07-12 17:14:51 · answer #8 · answered by housewives5 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
give him a sippy with handles..He may not be able to homd it steady just as ling as he is trying...he's a bit young still..
2006-07-13 01:23:09 · answer #9 · answered by *bossy* 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check out his strength by giving certain toys to him that he needs to hold. can he do it? if not, see a doctor. if he holds everything else, then he is just dependent on you.
2006-07-12 17:14:26 · answer #10 · answered by georgie g 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋