Is there anything wrong with an 18mo still having a bottle at night? Me and DH disagree

[Cazwa]

My DD still wakes up for a bottle of milk in the night on 6 out of 7 nights. She wakes up crying (any time between 12 and 7am) and when we go in shouts for bottle or milk. She always drains it completely then usually goes straight back to sleep.

Im convinced that 18mo dont need milk in the night and want to stop these feeds. I have a 3mo also so sleep is very precious these days! She eats well in the day, is a good size, so Im not concerned about her spoiling her appetite. DH thinks its too much hassle to stop the milk and would continue forever if he had his way.

Anyone got any views on this or tips on stopping the bottle?

[Tommy]

DS1 did this at this stage - and beyond I'm ashamed to say. My DH was of the same mind as yours and, since he got up in the night and fed him, I just let him get on with it!

Eventually she will stop it of her own accord so I guess it's just something you have to sort out between you!

[Cazwa]

THe thing is he works 4 nights a week so its me who does teh bottle those nights. Im BFing my 3mo who is up 3 times at least so Im looking for a bit less interuption!

[tori32]

I would give her water, if she is thirsty then she will drink it. At 18mths you should not need to night feed her. I think this is a habit. If she drains the water and drinks plenty in the day it might be worth getting her blood sugars checked. Never ending thirst can indicate diabetes.

[Seona1973]

I wouldnt give it but then ds gave up his night bottle of milk at 8 months (although from 6 months I started reducing it every few nights by an ounce so he got used to taking more in the day). You could try leaving a non-spill cup of water in the cot instead - an 18 month old doesnt really need a milk feed at night. If your dh wants it to continue then get him to give the bottle while you cope with the baby.

[Tommy]

ah.... you may well have to put your foot down then Cazwa. Get your DH to go into her and not give her the milk for 4 days and then, by the time he's back at work, she hopefully would be out of the habit!