My little boy is 8 months old and still doesn't show any interest in holding his own bottle. None. Not even an attempt. We try to put his hands on the bottle when we feed him, and he'll leave it there or push it around, but inevitably his hands will fall away. Short of gluing his hands to the bottle, I'm not sure what to do. I'm not crazy worried about it, but I'm trying to find ways to encourage him to hold his bottles. Any other ideas/thoughts? Should I just leave it and let him decide when he's ready to try?
Thanks for all your advice. We're going to start him on a sippy cup at about 9 months, give or take. And right now, we're going to just keep putting his hands on the bottle to get him used to the idea. Everything in its own time!
I wouldnt worry about it. My dd who is about to be 17 months never did really hold her bottle. I enjoyed having the time with her because a week before she turned 12 months the bottles were gone! You may want to if you havent already start giving him a sippy cup with handles and that is easier. Start making the trasition now! It will be so easy if you do!!
My son was the same way. He had no interest, unless it was to play with the bottle. He actually did not start holding his own bottle or cup until he right around his first birthday. We took a vacation (by car) to the beach and he just began holding it by himself when he was in his carseat. He was still rear facing at that time and in a more reclined position, but I think he just figured out that if I wasn't right there to hold it for him that he could do it himself. I would still encourage him, but I promise he'll do it when he's ready:) You may have already seen these, but Avent does make handles to attach to their bottles. My son didn't really take to them, but they may work for you. Take care!
When my 4 year old was a baby I found this thing @ Burlington Coat Factory that might help you. It was like a cloth doughnut that you slip over the bottle to help them hold it. I don't remember the brand or what it was called but maybe you could find one. It worked really great.
