Settling 12MO overnight without feeding

[Firefly111]

My DD is just a few days off her first birthday and I am currently trying to reduce her bottles. I am a bit behind where I wanted to be at this point as my DH has been very poorly in hospital so things have been a bit fraught. She is currently still having a bottle of formula in a morning and one before bed but I am about to drop the morning one and give cows milk instead.

My issue is that she has started waking overnight again the last few weeks needing settling, probably as her routine has been affected a bit recently with everything with her Dad and she has also had a cold. The only way I can settle her back to sleep is by giving her a bottle but I’m aware I can’t keep doing this as trying to reduce. Just wondered if any one has any advice on other ways to settle night wakings that don’t involve feeding? I am sure she isn’t actually hungry as she hasn’t had a overnight feed since about 8 MO it’s more of a comfort thing I think. She’s not overly upset when she wakes just very whingy and restless. TIA

Basically it takes a bit of persistence (as it's so tempting to give in to the easy option of a bottle). A combination of cuddling / patting / shushing will probably do the trick eventually but is tiring for you. Does she have a dummy or a special toy? How do you feel about trying a bit of controlled crying?

Thanks blackswan yes she has a dummy but depending how awake she is it doesn’t always do the trick. I think I am just going to have to persevere and try not to give in to the easy option!

My children both went to cows milk at 12 months (ish) and still have milk before bed at 17 months and 2.5 yrs.

They don't often wake but I have no problem giving them milk and cuddles when they do as long as their appetite for food isn't effected.

Saying that though, in the middle of the night I'm opting for the path of least resistance.,,

I suppose I'm saying do what you feel is right not what you think you "should " be doing. With everything else you have going on does matter if it takes a little longer?