How do i get 14 months baby to stop feeding at night?

Question

I find it difficult nowadays and cant cope any longer...I do part time studies and get home late after school at around 9pm, id find him asleep in most cases but the thing is i go to bed at times around 11pm studying...he wakes up 3 to 4 times at night for his bottle he cant get it himself i have to wake up and give it to him..it doesnt matter how much food i give him before bed.i tried putting it next to him it doesnt work! but during the day he finds it and feed by himself....i think its a habit and i want him to stop it..i dont get enough sleep waking up time and again...

I really want him to stop feeding at night.

Answer 1

Maybe try shorter naps during the day and a warm bath at night right before bed.  Make sure his milk is warm at bedtime.  

Answer 2

It could be one of two things or a combination of both. It has to do with his daily routine. Something is lacking and it's keeping him needy. It could be that you are very busy during the day (like most of us are) and he knows this will get your attention. You may think this is too complex for him, but I'm telling you now, don't underestimate the intelligence of a child. They are masters at manipulation.  

Other than that, he may need more fluids during the day. Many adults get thirsty during the night. So he may need a good amount of water before bed, to get hm through the night.

Question: Why does he have a bottle at 14 mos? He should be using a sippy cup. Try giving a cup instead. If he drinks from t he cup, he's thirsty. If he only wants the bottle, he's searching for comfort/security.  

Answer 3

I read somewhere, that if babies wake up in the middle of the night to feed, they didn't get enough protein and carbohydrates during the day. Try to up his intake of those two things for his last feeding.

If you're absolutely sure he's not hungry, maybe just thirsty, try to replace his milk bit by bit with water. If he's still on formula, then make it weaker and weaker until it's only water. Once he realizes he'll only get water he may stop. If he's on cow's milk already, dilute it with water adding more water and less milk until it's only water. This will take a few days, but he'll eventually get the idea.

If he still takes the water regardless (and finishes the bottle), then the bottle is a comfort measure to him. Try replacing it with a favourite stuffed toy or blanket and see what happens. Give him the water (he may be thristy), then take the bottle away and give him the toy or blanket. Keep it up for a few nights, he'll get the idea.

Good luck! For what it's worth, my son is going through a sleepless 'spell', it's been going on for 2 weeks, so I absolutely feel your pain.

Answer 4

my daughter is 12mos. i withdrew her night feed at 10mos. i knew she was eating enough through the day and that waking up at night for a bottle was just her routine and for comfort of me picking her up and taking her out the cot.

when she woke, i got up, gave her a dummy and lay her back down. it was hard for a few nights but she soon got the hang of it and goes 12-13hrs right through.

also look at her naps.my girl gets up at 7am. she naps at midday for an hour - maybe slightly more sometimes - then she goes to bed around 7pm.

Answer 5

Yes, you are right.  It's a habit that was created months ago.  He doesn't need to eat in the middle of the night.  It will be tough. ....if you really want to break him of the bottle, then you need to stop giving it to him.  He will stop crying for it-but it will probably take 3 - 7 nights.  Talk to him about it, he does understand you.

The reward will be better/sound sleep for everyone.  

I wish you the best!