Hi moms:
We recently weaned my 18 month-old off of the bottle. He slept great for the first two weeks but now he wakes up numerous times in the night asking for milk or water. Since we are not giving him anything (we will sometimes give him water in his sippy cup if he is really upset but he usually just takes a sip or two then pushes it away) it is very difficult to get him back to sleep. Singing to him is the only thing that works and only after MANY lullabies. Even then he still may wake up again twenty minutes later and does this all through the night. Two things to note: he eats 4 meals a day with snacks and milk in between, and we are a co-sleeping family. I guess my question is, has anyone had a similar experience after weaning from the bottle?
As far as it being cold outside, bundle him up appropriately and take him outside still. I have done this with both of my kids since they were infants. Snow on the ground, dead of Winter, obviously not long enough for them to get frostburn. But the fresh air is good for them and the Winter is long, so you can't not take him out. As long as he is dressed warmly, it's fine. Good luck with the rest of what you are going through. :)
Hi
From a fellow cosleeper, I feel for you. Our son (15 mo) has never been a great sleeper and if we get 4 hours staight it's like Christmas. But one thing you said did capture my attention. Why isn't he going outside?
There is nothing wrong with cold weather and kids can run and play outside when it's cold just as well as they can when it's warm. I think it just helps to dress them smart...as in what's going to give them the most warmth without the bulk which makes them feel claustrophobic and restricted. (this is important to us as we ride horses all year and he's been coming to the barn in 18 degree weather since he was 3 months old)
www.novanatural.com sells 100% wool footed union suits. Toss one on under a cozy sweater and pants and your child will be toasty, not sweaty, not over loaded with bulky coats, and perfectly warm for outdoor play. Our son wears his under his clothes in the dead of winter and when I try to put a coat ontop of it all, he pulls it off. They're the best.
Also, cold air is SO HEALTHY for kids because it boosts up the immune sysytem and helps cicrulation. Our pediatrician actually suggests sleeping with the windows open at night so baby gets as much fresh cold air as possible. Also, outdoor exercise is mentally and physically stimulating so it might exhaust him in a healthy way and promotes sleep.
As for the water issue, I don't know what to tell you. We've done everything we can think of to get our child to sleep and we still don't have any answers. But I ALWAYS notice a huge difference in the hours on days when he is outdoors for the long periods of time.
Good luck.
The bottle is comfort for him. Give it back to him only at bed time with water in it. after all he's only 18 months old and obviously not ready to give it up. Children do things at their own pace beit potty training or giving up bottles or breastfeeding. You are just making yourself crazy.
uhhhh...I think I am confused. I don't see anywhere in your post you mentioning not taking your son outside. why are people responding asking you why you don't take your child outside. Bizarre.
Anyway, I agree with the mom who said just give him the bottle back. He's just not ready to give it up and you will all get better sleep. Having a bottle at bedtime is not the most horrible thing and he is not going to be 15 asking for his ba ba before he goes to sleep at night :)
