Stoping Milk at Bedtime

I suggest watering it down as much as he will let you, and for at least a little while, let him have it that way. With the milk so watered down, the amount he will have left behind on his teeth is no big deal.

You could also try leaving him with two sippy cups... One with only 4 ounces of milk, and another full of water. If he drinks the water afterward, it will rinse his teeth.

Or, what we did with our son is we cuddled with him while he drank his milk, then still in the dark of his bedroom, brushed his teeth real quick and then laid him down. We were eventually able to get him to drink it in the kitchen as a snack before getting ready for bed.

You are asking for two big things from him... to learn to put himself to sleep, AND to give up his milk before bed. See if you can find a way to help him do just one at a time.

trading a story reading time for liquid ingestion is the Comfort exchange for the settle down time...kids will always call out and get you 'back in there' when they are almost 1/2 asleep... you can fall for it, go back in, But say "I'll read you another ..." and by the time you open the second P. they will probably be out like the light should be.

From my experience...when a habit has begun, you kind of have to break it by not giving into the crying. It is painful, but usually doens't last too long. Is there a blankie he has that can be his bedtime comfort instead? Or maybe he can sit down in the kitchen and have a small glass of milk before bedtime, you can give him the choice to have that or nothing, then he feels like he is a part of the decision. Just a suggestion! Good luck!

I had the same problem with my son who is now 4 yrs old. Unfortunately, the only way I was able to break him of the milk was to do it cold turkey. My sister told me (she's mom to 3 kids) that if someone put an ice cream sundae in front of you every night, wouldn't you eat it!! The point is that in order for your son to stop, you are going to have to be strong. Good luck - I know its tough!

Remember when you went though the breaking of the bottle. What happens is the bottle is exchanged for a cup. So they have that same comfort they found in the bottle.This is exactly the same thing. You might have to throw the all sippy cups in the garbage. This is best done on garbage day when he can see the truck taking it away. Try telling him he's a big boy now give him a small cup of milk that he can finish in a few minutes. Yes it will be hell for a few days hang in their. Don't give in or your right back where you started. Good luck.