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tracyhill•Oct. 16, 2011 at 16:53

My two year old still wakes in the night for milk. How can I stop this?

If I simply don't give her any, she cries and cries and cries until I do. She eats and drinks plenty during the day. I'd appreciate any advice.
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sarahmac 

Oct. 17, 2011 at 10:04

I've been through this, the first thing I can tell you is that it WILL pass and you WILL rediscover the joy of unbroken sleep again.
Instead of giving your daughter milk, offer her warm water. I can pretty much guarantee your daughter won't be impressed with this and it won't stop her waking, and crying, in the short term, unless she's just thirsty.

This worked for me and my youngest son, he eventually decided that just wasn't worth waking up for water.

You DO have to be strong and consistent though, kids are canny little devils and if you give in, eventually, then they know it's just a matter of time before they get what they want each time.

Hang in there and let us know if/when/how things improve - GOOD LUCK!

(1 person agrees)

sarahmac 

Oct. 17, 2011 at 10:04

I've been through this, the first thing I can tell you is that it WILL pass and you WILL rediscover the joy of unbroken sleep again.
Instead of giving your daughter milk, offer her warm water. I can pretty much guarantee your daughter won't be impressed with this and it won't stop her waking, and crying, in the short term, unless she's just thirsty.

This worked for me and my youngest son, he eventually decided that just wasn't worth waking up for water.

You DO have to be strong and consistent though, kids are canny little devils and if you give in, eventually, then they know it's just a matter of time before they get what they want each time.

Hang in there and let us know if/when/how things improve - GOOD LUCK!
(1 person agrees)
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emmajk42 

Oct. 18, 2011 at 14:17

What about a heavy supper that will make sure she is full up through the night? For example, I give my little one baby porridge just before bed to keep her going.
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mathomhoarder 

Oct. 18, 2011 at 15:37

When you say milk do you mean breastmilk, cows milk or formula? If breastmilk it might just be that she understandably wants to be near her mum. Cows milk/formula she might feel hungry/thirsty.

I'm anti baby/child training so personally I'd accommodate her needs but if you have a reason why you can't do that (like working or other kids to think about) then I'd look into one of the 'No cry' series. I think there is one aimed at toddlers :) They are very good for leading your child in certain ways rather than trying to *force* their behavior to change.
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LynleyOram 

Oct. 18, 2011 at 17:53

At two years old my son still slept with us, so I would probably have kept a sippy cup with drink in it to hand if we had that problem. However, if I remember rightly, The Baby Whisperer had good advice for this. Like Mathomhoarder I never liked the let them cry approach, so her approach fitted what felt right for me.
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SlayerKat 

Oct. 18, 2011 at 21:53

I've not actually had this happen to me personally. My oldest two were never bothered about milk but my youngest still wakes occasionally and screams but this could be due to anything because he is disabled and cant speak.

Anyway I had a friend who needed help with this and someone advise her to water down the milk a bit at a time until you get just water. Start with 3/4 milk 1/4 water for a week and go on like that. It might work!
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lisasherratt 

Oct. 19, 2011 at 08:56

Im so glad this is happening to someone else!!! In a nice way of course, I have 21 month old twins and they are up 3-4 times each night (at different times) screaming and shouting "Bot Bot" which means a bottle of milk. They eat and drink well all day have a big supper and still wake!! I have also tried to keep them away during the day so they are exhausted but to no avail. I cant see any end to this at the moment but its nice to see they are normal after all, Hope your little one sleeps soon
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Last edited by lisasherratt, Oct. 19, 2011 at 08:59
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