My son is 9 months now and I was just wondering if he can lay flat now to drink a bottle. I know you are supposed to elevate their head when they are little but is it still necessary? Thanks for the help
He's old enough to hold his own bottle, but DON'T let him lay down and drink it. It can cause ear infections really badly!!!
Hey L.,
I believe that if he can hold his bottle on his own, that he's also old enough to lay flat while drinking his bottle. The only exception would be if he's prone to ear infections, in which case I would suggest letting him drink the bottle sitting up in one of the rocking chair/bouncer things.
Yes, still sit up to drink. My children had problems with ear infections until they were about 3 yrs old. The development of the ear before then encourages infections because of the angle of the ear canal. Besides laying down with a bottle and falling asleep is bad for teeth too!
I read and was told by the pediatrician that their ear canals (or whatever they're called) are not in the same position as older kids and adults are. So that means an increased chance of ear infections if laying horizontal.
Good luck!
He'll let you know if he's uncomfortable! I have four children...each was happy at that age to lie flat and drink the bottle. By the way, none of my children has ever had an ear infection! You know your little guy better than anyone else - go with your instinct and his signals! Good luck to you!
