With the drinking situation... have you tried the Tommee Tippe straw bottle or straw cup? If your baby can suck on a breast they can suck on a straw. You just put the straw into their mouth and their sucking reflex naturally brings up the drink, and *whalla* you've got an alternative to the boob. My little guy is 14 months and has been using his since he was 3 months. It's fabulous, non-spill and allows me a rest. Safeway stock them but you'll probably find them in other supermarkets too.