21 Month Still Drinking Milk at Night

Updated on April 28, 2010
J.J. asks from Missouri City, TX
11 answers

I have a 21 month old son who loves is Almond Milk. How do I get him to stop drinking milk after he goes to sleep. I am hoping by doing this, he will start sleeping through the night. He co-sleeps with either my husband or myself. We do not want to do the cry out method and we have tried watering down the milk.

Suggestions would be appreciated.

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So What Happened?

Last night I gave him milk to go to sleep and water all night. He drank the water and didn't complain. :) When he woke up, I have him milk again. First night down.

Thank you ladies for the advise.

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F.N.

answers from Killeen on

Dont feel bad. My daughter is almost 3 years old and we have no problems on giving her milk before bedtime lol. If she wants some she will have some. Good luck

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M.H.

answers from Raleigh on

You need to get him off of that right away! Milk has WAY too much sugar in it and allowing your son to drink it at bed time is a great way to have him get cavities. While you may not want him to cry it out, he needs to switch over to water tonight. Sometimes a little tough love is the only thing that works.

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Are you brushing his teeth before he falls asleep? If not--big problem. Water only in the bed. Try cold turkey & rub his back, etc....change your routine to snack w/milk/brush teeth/bed.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.B.

answers from St. Louis on

Milk at night is going to cause cavities. I just found out my four year old has one cavity. My 22 month old loves his milk too. In the past couple of months we have switched him to water only after he brushes his teeth at night. He does cry a little but usually after a few minutes he forgets about the milk.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.N.

answers from Minneapolis on

This is a health concern and really needs to stop. The almond milk can pool in his mouth and cause major damage to his teeth. I have seen little kids with metal capped teeth and teeth rot. Consider giving him water. I agree with Denise, change your routine- and we wish we would have cut off many bed time habits earlier because it has not gotten easier to change routines.

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V.B.

answers from Houston on

I definitely think you need to get rid of the milk. If you don't brush his teeth after, you're asking for tooth troubles. Just give him water in a sippy if he wakes up at night. He doesn't need to eat or have milk at this age....it's a habit now. If you just give him water, he may stop since it isn't what he wants. If you're cosleeping, just cuddle him a bit more and tell him it's time to go back to sleep. Cold turkey is going to be the only way at this point. We're getting rid of the paci this weekend, so I feel your pain!

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A.H.

answers from York on

Have you talked to your pediatrician about this? Maybe they have some helpful hints. My 18 month old still takes a sippy cup of milk before bed, but I am planning on talking to the doctor at her 18 month visit because of what the other moms have stated. They are the professionals, so see what they have to say. Good luck!

K.I.

answers from Spokane on

Since he is sleeping with you guys it should be easier...just don't give it to him, sure he will cry a little but give lots of luv and maybe a few extra bed time stories? Since you will be right there with him I am sure you can find some things to fill the void and distract him with...singing? Making up stories? Just chatting for awhile?

Just not offering it anymore sounds hard but its easier than you think, promise.

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C.S.

answers from Las Vegas on

My 4.5YO still needs a cup of milk to go to sleep. Every night, she asks for a cup of milk and if you don't give it to her, she won't shut up. Have you tried a cup?

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L.G.

answers from Austin on

Any habit is going to be hard to stop. How badly do you want him to sleep through the night? Do your research and then decide what you want and what is worth having to work hard to achieve. There are many ways to go about achieving what you want, but none of them is easy. Some are just easier than others.

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D.T.

answers from Killeen on

I just went through this with my 2 1/2 yr old and 18 month old. I brided the 2.5 year old with Chuckie Cheese and told her that the bottles were dirty and had bugs. It took a good 10-12 days, but I stayed consistent. I pulled the Super Nanny method when putting her to bed. Over and over...it was exhausting. My 18 mon was ok with it, after the 2nd night. The longer you wait the harder it gets. My doctor once told me that it takes 5-10 days to break the habit. Be consistent and your husband too. My husband was gone during the first part of it and I think it helped, because I was so determined. Believe it or not, they can feel your anxiety towards the situation. Good luck and stay STRONG!!!!

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