You can start introducing your little one to an open cup or straw cup at roughly the same time you start introducing solid foods (around 6 months of age). This DOES NOT mean that you need to stop using a bottle or breastfeeding once you start introducing a cup; the cup is simply another means for your little one to start practicing another method to consume liquids. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends weaning your baby from the bottle completely before they are 18 months of age, although pediatricians and pediatric dentists often encourage bottle weaning to start closer to 12 months of age. This is because prolonged use of a bottle may encourage toddlers to fill up on mostly liquids, which can decrease their appetite for nutrients from solid foods.