Q: My son is 2 years old and five months ago I took the bottle away from him on the advice of his paediatrician. Since then he has not had any liquid other than what I give him through a medicine dropper and the water he gets through his food. He refuses the cup and will not return to the bottle. I have been taking him to a speech therapist but she is as stumped on what to do as I am because she has never come across a case like this. Please, I am desperate for a solution; can you help me?

A:Your paediatrician advised you correctly. Stopping the bottle is often not easy, but do not worry if there is little or no milk intake. Eventually they all start eating / drinking, as no one ever starves. As regards to drinking fluids, thirst is such a strong natural incentive to drink water, no one ever remains thirsty. Do not force him with a dropper. Just give him time.