Putting your baby to sleep with his bottle is a practice that may do him more harm than good.The bacteria and sugar contained in milk and juices form a corrosive substance that destroys tooth enamel. A report released by the American Dental Association states that "Tooth decay can occur when the baby is put to bed with a bottle, or when a bottle is used as a pacifier for a fussy baby". You can teach your baby to sleep without his bottle by using a combination of strategy and good sense.
Getting Your Baby to Sleep Without a Bottle
Step 1
Develop a nighttime routine that allows your baby to relax gradually before bedtime. For instance, you might choose to give her a bath, put on a fresh diaper, feed her and then read a story in preparation for sleep.
Step 2
Place a small stuffed animal or pacifier in the crib. If your baby is accustomed to using his bottle as a calming mechanism at night, you can replace it with another object that he finds equally comforting. A favored blanket or article of clothing, frequently worn by either parent, can soothe your baby's nerves.
Step 3
Find ways to gently coax your baby back to sleep if he seems incapable of doing so on his own. Some babies become fussy when jolted awake. When this happens, place a pacifier in his mouth, and rub or pat his back while softly speaking or singing in a lulling tone.
Tips and Warnings
- Playing soft music during the final part of your nighttime routine can help your baby fall asleep. Place find soft toys that play assorted lullabies in the baby's crib.
- Make sure any toy given to your baby has no small parts that he could swallow or choke on.
Things You'll Need
- Pacifier
- Small stuffed animal or comfort item
