I definitely do NOT think that you are incompetent! I am a first time mom and always have tons of questions! So, I do not have a whole lot of experience....but I can let you know what has worked for us!
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At 12 months and before, I was giving DS his solids first and then his formula/milk right afterwards. I had been told that if he drank his formula/milk first, then he wouldn't eat as much solids. I see that you tried that with your LO, and it didn't work before. It may be worth a try again! (Now, DS takes turns between eating/drinking as we do because he is old enough to point to which one he wants!) Be sure to ask your pediatrician at your 1 year check-up this week because my memory is a little fuzzy....but it seems like my ped told me around 20 oz of formula/milk a day at 12 months. At 12 months, my DS was drinking 4 oz of milk/formula 5 times a day (morning, breakfast, lunch, dinner, bedtime). He had juice mixed with water for snacks.
As far as trying with the sippy cup again, I did limit it to snack time at first because I still wanted DS to get the appropriate amount of milk/formula. At first, I would substitute with a bottle if he didn't drink it because I felt bad!!! However, I read things that said don't substitute with a bottle, and they will drink it if thirsty because it's the only option. Since you said your LO doesn't regularly drink juice with snack anyway, this could be a good way to go! Start with sippy cup with snack and don't substitute with bottle if doesn't drink.
As I'm typing I was wondering what types of juice you have tried. DS HATES apple juice, and that is what I was putting in his sippy cup. One day, I decided to try other types of juice, and the sippy cup was not a problem anymore. DS likes pear juice, apple banana juice, white grape juice, yogurt juices....
The clear sippy cup is sure worth a try! Hope it goes well! Just make sure that it has a soft nipple like the bottle to make the transition easier. If clear cup doesn't work, try the Nuby!
Good luck!
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