My 16month old son does not sleep at night and never has, he had reflux and has milk intolerence.?

Question

he eats well trough out the day, very healthy and has 3 meals a day also fruit and veg for snacks, but still wants milk through the night. wev tryed to leave him to scream but he ends up being sick.

Answer 1

Have you tried to give him formula? It looks like milk, so it should keep him happy, but they have special formula for reflux and lactose intolerant "beasts" (ha ha) that keep you awake at night. Check with your chemist, they helped my sister-in-law with the same problem. Hope this helps your little "beast" (the love of your life), settle down and not be so upset. Wishing you all a good nights sleep.

Answer 2

My girls were milk intolerant, I put them on Soy, but earlier than your son is now.  After Soy there wasn't many problems.  Have you tried Goat milk?  My friends son went ahead in leaps and bounds after he was put on that.  Good luck.

Answer 3

If this is an issue only at night(with the screaming) and he is getting milk just before bed, or you are feeding him at night, it could be is relfux is not resolved.  We have a refluxer, she is 3.5, and is still on all the meds for it.  She eats all night long via her G-tube, so this was an issue for us too.  The right meds, plus elevating her bed helped alot.  Avoiding foods that trigger the relux within 6 hours of bed time also helps.  I would suggest this:

Tough love on the milk, or Neocate before bed.  Unless his doctor specifically told you to feed it to him before bed or at night for calorie reasons, he is old enough to not need it at all nightime.  It takes about three days for the habit to break, then they are fine.  

Bring this up at his pediatricians office.  It could be reflux, nighttime always seems to be the hardest for them even if they are fine during the day, and sometimes, even if they are not getting fluids after a certain time.  

Try elevating his bed.  Put a pillow or two under the top part of the matress where he puts his head.  

Call the nurse at your doctors office and ask if you can give him motrin in the evenings if you suspect this is a pain issue.  

Such a tricky age.  Could be alot of things, I hope this helps!

Answer 4

Gosh, this must be hard for you.

One thing I would suggest, is to give him a heavier meal at nite, so as to defray his insistence of wanting tons of milk before bedtime.

Also if he wants the milk, give it to him. he is using this as a comforting device, and really isnt trying to be difficult.remember he is only 16 months old. why try to wean him so early from the bottle of milk? Society doesnt always know the right answer, so ignore society, and do what makes your child happy.

be well