Your baby’s first milestone: When do they hold their own baby bottle?

As parents, one of the most exciting milestones is watching your little one start to take control over their feeding. When babies hold their own bottle, it marks the beginning of a new phase in their development, one that shows they’re gaining independence and motor skills. 

It’s important to remember that some babies may start earlier or later than this range, and that’s perfectly okay. Every baby grows at their own pace, and as a parent, it’s important to be patient and supportive as they work toward this milestone. 

This blog features expert insights from Amber Ginn, CEO, Founder at The Latchlink , who shares evidence-based, parent-friendly guidance to help you better understand your baby’s feeding journey.

When do babies typically start holding their own bottle?

On average, most babies start holding their own bottle between 6 to 10 months. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, this is typically when they develop the fine motor skills and coordination necessary to grasp and hold objects, like a bottle. Babies at this stage are also becoming more curious and want to explore the world around them, which includes their ability to self-feed.

It’s important to remember that some babies may start earlier or later than this range, and that’s perfectly okay. Every baby grows at their own pace, and as a parent, it’s important to be patient and supportive as they work toward this milestone.

“Most babies start holding their own bottle somewhere between 6 and 10 months—but that’s a wide range for a reason,” says Amber Ginn, Founder at The Latchlink, “It really depends on how often they’re using a bottle, how much time they spend on the floor building strength, and where they’re at developmentally. Babies who are combo-fed or mostly breastfed might take a bit longer, simply because they’ve had less practice.”

How can you encourage your baby to hold their own bottle?

While your baby will eventually reach this milestone on their own time, there are a few things you can do to help encourage them along the way, backed by guidance from the  American Academy of Pediatrics:

• Give them practice time

Hold the bottle near your baby’s hands and gently encourage them to grip it. At first, they may not have the strength or coordination to hold it for long, but with practice, they’ll improve.

• Offer the right type of bottle

Make sure the bottle is comfortable for your baby to hold. Some bottles are designed with easy-to-grip handles or ergonomic shapes that help your baby get a better grasp.

• Promote tummy time

Tummy time is essential for strengthening your baby’s muscles—especially in their arms, neck, and shoulders. These muscles play a big role in the control needed to hold a bottle.

• Model the action

Show your baby how you hold the bottle or cup. Even if they don’t immediately mimic the action, babies love to imitate, and this visual cue helps them understand how bottle-holding works.

How to know when your baby is ready to hold their own bottle

Look for these common signs that your baby may be ready to take feeding into their own hands:

• Increased hand-eye coordination

If your baby can focus on objects and bring their hands to their mouth, they’re likely ready to try holding a bottle.

• Sitting up with support

Babies need core strength to support themselves upright. Sitting up with help is an important step before holding a bottle independently.

• Interest in self-feeding

Does your baby reach for the bottle or try to pull it toward their mouth? That’s a great sign that they’re eager to take more control at feeding time.

“You’ll start noticing things like reaching for the bottle, gripping it with both hands, or trying to bring it to their mouth. If they’re sitting up (even with support) and seem interested in doing it themselves, they’re probably close.”

Amber Ginn
—CEO, Founder at The Latchlink 

Is it safe to let babies hold their own bottle?

While it’s exciting to see your baby take this step toward independence, safety still comes first:

• Avoid bottle propping: Never leave a bottle propped up or unattended while your baby is feeding. This can increase the risk of choking or ear infections.
  
• Supervise every feed: Even if your baby has a strong grip, always stay nearby during feeding.
  
• Encourage feeding breaks: Let your baby take natural pauses to avoid overeating or swallowing too much air.
  

Gentle reminder: Just because your baby can hold a bottle doesn’t mean they should do it alone. Supervised, connected feeds still matter—now more than ever.

“Always supervise feeds, even when they’re holding it. And don’t let the baby fall asleep with a bottle, especially if it’s milk or formula, it’s not great for their teeth or digestion. Keep them upright-ish when feeding so things go down smoothly.”

Amber Ginn
—CEO, Founder at The Latchlink 

What if my baby holds their bottle too early, or too late?

It’s perfectly normal for some babies to grab a bottle at 4 months, while others may not hold it confidently until closer to 12 months.

• Early interest doesn’t always equal readiness, make sure their muscles are strong enough to support feeding in a safe position.
  
• Later adoption could mean your baby enjoys the closeness of being fed and isn’t in a rush to go solo. That’s okay too.
  

Think of milestones as ranges not deadlines. If your baby is thriving and hitting other developmental marks, there’s no need to worry.

Should I stop holding my baby during bottle feeds once they can hold it themselves?

Not at all. Just because your baby can hold their bottle doesn’t mean they want to do it all on their own. Many little ones still love being nestled in your arms during feeds, it’s their safe space, their comfort zone.

So go ahead, snuggle them close, chat softly, lock eyes for a moment. These quiet, heart-full moments? They’re just as nourishing as the milk in their bottle. Maybe even more.

What happens after your baby holds their own bottle?

Once your baby gets the hang of bottle-holding, other exciting feeding milestones may soon follow. From 8 to 12 months, many babies begin:

• Practicing with sippy cups or straw cups
  
• Exploring finger foods
  
• Learning to use a spoon
  

Holding their own bottle is just the beginning of your baby’s self-feeding journey, each step leads to greater independence at the table and beyond.

Is it okay if my baby doesn’t hold their own bottle yet?

Absolutely. Some babies simply take a little longer to reach this milestone, and that’s entirely normal.

The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that most babies learn to feed themselves including holding a bottle between 8 to 12 months.

If your baby:

• Isn’t interested in holding their bottle by 10 months,
  
• Prefers to be fed by you,
  
• Or shows no signs of trying to self-feed

Keep offering gentle encouragement, and speak to your pediatrician if you have any concerns. Your support and patience make all the difference. Trust their timeline, they’re growing at the pace that’s right for them.

Conclusion

Watching your baby hold their own bottle is an exciting step in their journey toward independence. While the timeline may vary from baby to baby, most reach this milestone between 6 and 10 months. With gentle encouragement, the right tools, and a little patience, you’ll help them build the strength and confidence they need. By understanding the signs of readiness and staying present during these tiny triumphs, you’re not just helping your baby hold a bottle. You’re helping them hold their own in the world. Here’s to every sweet, wobbly, determined moment on this journey. Bottle in hand, big leaps ahead.