Dribbling Milk

My 13 month old will leisurely and sporadically drink his milk. If he's really thirsty, he will drink about 2 oz without spilling a drop. But as he relieves his thirst, he will continue to drink and will let it dribble out of his mouth. A four oz bottle can take 3 attempts over breakfast and lunch for him to complete. Any ideas?

While your son could have oral motor tone issues, it is more likely he is simply refusing to drink milk.

Does he dribble other liquids? Is he excessively drooley? Is he unable to use sippy cups? “Yes” answers can be a sign of decreased oral motor strength. If you are concerned about weak oral motor tone please discuss this with your pediatrician.

More likely your son does not like cows milk. Continue to serve him cow’s milk and offer other calcium rich foods. see 1 year old refusing to drink milk

Written August 2010 by
Dr. Gordon, Windermere Pediatrician