There comes a time when bottle-fed babies should be weaned. Currently that age is 15 months. Despite these recommendations, 20% of two-year-olds and 9% of three-year-olds still use a bottle. In some cultures, prolonged bottle use is considered normal. For example, in some low-income Puerto Rican communities, bottle use is considered normal for children three to five years old, and may continue until until the children are eight years old.
The longer children use a bottle, the greater the chances of being overweight. For each month of bottle use after age 15 months, the risk of obesity increased by 3%. However, the effect of prolonged bottle use on childhood obesity isn't as significant as the mother's weight. Children with obese mothers are at an increased risk of becoming obese themselves.
Clinical Pediatrics, 7-8/04.
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