18mnth old wanting 3/4am bottle - how do we stop it??!!!

[Taffindra]

I feel like we've regressed into small baby territiory! DS is 18 mnths, and has started asking for milk at 3/4am. He WILL NOT take no for an answer either - last 3am wake up he cried for 2 hrs until I gave in. He's a really good eater, and is not exactly skinny - I know he can make it through the night without the milk. Its just become a habit - my DH gets up at 5.30 and DS hears him. Its OK for him to have milk then, but its been getting earlier and earlier. Not having too much luck refusing to give it before 5.30 - what should we do??!!! Should I leave milk in his cot before I go to bed, so he gets used to finding it there, even though it will be v.cold? Anyone had a similar problem?

I would personally leave a cup of water instead of milk - less messy too! An 18 month old doesnt need a milk feed really and the milk itself could start putting your lo off his solids during the day. The more you give in, the more your lo will wake for it

you could try giving him something to eat with his night bottle - eg cereal. Then leave a bottle of water in the cot or v diluted juice (obv water better for teeth). If he is a good eater he could be genuinely hungry esp if he's having a growth spurt.