How do you get 2 yr old to stop taking bottle throughout the night?

Question

My daughter is 2 yrs old, gets up like twice during the night and wants a bottle, and is fighting mad if she doesn'tt get one, any ideas?

Answer 1

So she's got into the habit of waking up for a bottle, you need to make it not worth her while to do so.  Usually the best thing to do is start by diluting the milk slowly, so that in the end it's just water.  She'll hopefully decide it's not worth the trouble.

  Having said that, only do that if you're 100% sure it's not hunger or thirst.  maybe give her a cup of water to take to bed with her.

Answer 2

You won't get through this without a fight.  I would tell her before you even put her to sleep that she won't be given a bottle.  When she wakes up, remind her what you said and then leave her in her room to cry (which she probably will and for a long time.)  

If that's too hardcore, then I suggest giving her a bottle of water.  You will have to be firm with this and make sure that you're entire household is on board.

She's old enough to not take a bottle at all.  I've heard great success with some people who instruct their child that the garbage man needs all the bottles and to allow the child to help throw them all away.  Then they remind the child, "bottle's gone."  Will she take some sort of other cup during the day?  If not, you need to make that change first, before you take the bottle away at night.

Good luck!

Answer 3

don't give in, tough it out, it should last no more than 2 weeks

Answer 4

Go on a "big girl" shopping trip.  (It sounds like she is also ready to start potty training) before you go let her throw away the baby bottles.  Say, you're a big girl now so we are going on a shopping trip to buy your new girl things.  

Let her pick out some pretty panties, and cute sipper cups.  Buy some salty snakes and drinks she likes.  Also a potty chair and doll that wets.  Then plan on spending a day together just the two of you. She may not get it perfect , but you'll have a great start.