12mth still having feed during night

[middlecm]

Hi
I dont know if this comes under sleeping or feeding, I sure know that its affecting my sleeping :o . At what age can you be sure that a baby doesnt require a feed during the night?

The thing is that my 12 month old son is still waking for a feed (bottle) during the night, mind you its not every night, probably 4 out of 7. I dont think its a sleep association thing as I quite often hear him during the night wake up and put himself back to sleep.

A few people have suggested controlled crying but Im not a fan of this technique, and when he does have a night bottle seems hungry. I leave a bottle of water in the cot at night and he often drinks this.

Any suggestions as I have no 2 on the way and dont want them both crying for a feed at the same time during the middle of the night.

Regards
Christine

[JJsMamma]

Hi! I am not up to that stage yet however I have friends who are and practice gentle parently - they have tried offering water and then back to bed. It also works well if you have your partner do this as for some reason they accept the new routine better. I have also read this as a strategy to begin to wean from night feedings. I think you need to do what is comfortable for you and your baby. I am not an advocate for controlled crying either so I cant give you advice on that. If its not happening all the time does it matter. In that perhaps it will die a natural death. Also if you are feeling guilting about his continued feeding at night try not to be. As long as you are comfortable with it, its slowly lessoning and you have a happy baby then I cant see how it is harmful... There is so much pressure being a mother and its difficult not to be effected somehow. YOu could also try The No Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley and she also has one for Toddlers. My library didnt have them so I bought mine but you could try them for starters. If you want to buy them www.capersbookstore.com.au is a great parenting online bookstore. Hope this helps and good luck with it. Amanda

[Audrey]

Hi Christine,

My little one still had a bottle during the night until he was 16 months old. I worried about it and tried lots of different techniques, but eventually he just slept through the night on his own. The only thing that I did, that I think may have had a effect was when he woke up, I would put him in the bed with me and give him a cuddle until he feel asleep again without giving him a bottle. However sometimes he would still insist on the bottle. I would just hang in there and take it day by day.

Audrey

[AM]

My 17 month old is still a night nurser, I just figure he will grow out of it.
I also have number two on the way, and I'm prepared to night nurse two at once if it comes to that.

You have had good suggestions, so all the best.

Angie