Another Sleep Question! - Akron,OH

With both our daughters, they used sippy cups during the day well before 18 months and beyond. BUT they wanted that bottle at night before bed, and sometimes if they woke up between 18-24 months. We figured if it was once maybe twice a night, we were't really worried. Now we would OFFER a sippy cup, or an 8 oz. bottle of water with a straw, but they usually wanted the bottle.

It could be he's going through a growth spurt too. WHen he wakes up and wants a bottle, put some cereal in it and see what happens...if it helps him sleep better.

With the sleeping in your bed - pick your battles. Sometimes you can let him come into your bed, let him fall asleep, then go put him back in his bed - and that can work better than actually getting up and comforting him. Supernanny even says that once in a while it's okay.

Let him have a buddy too - that might help comfort him if he wakes up if he has a buddy. (stuffed animal/teddy bear).

Just a few thoughts, for what it's worth - and good luck!

My son is 4 and he would start to wake up frequently when he was going through growth spurts. At this time he would want to regress and have bottles. I would offer him comfort and love but be firm about your boundaries. If they sense a weakness in your defences this can lead to a bad habit. Once you get them in your bed it can be really hard to get them out.

I would just put a cup of water in his room and tell him that he can have a drink of it if he is thirsty.
Maybe you can put it where he can reach it in the night.

Our kids have never had problems with wanting drinks or needing diaper changes at night. Our son, at 3.5, still walks into our bedroom every night. Most mornings we just wake up with him next to us and have no idea how he got there.

My guess is there's something else going on (for example cutting teeth) that makes him need the comforting. That's probably what the bottle provides that the sippy cups don't.

I'd ask your pediatrician to make sure there isn't an ear infection or something else going on that may necessitate comfort.

Kids do just go through crazy sleep cycles, and we have to do our best to try to normalize things.
Good luck!

If hes waking up check his diaper. Also he could just need a drink and water works just fine. My son is 18 mon and also is a great sleeper. He puts himself to sleep and sometimes I hear him talking to himself before bed. When my son whines or fusses I give him a little water and hes fine. If your not comfortable with him having a cup at night just give him a few sips from a normal cup. He doesnt have to sleep with the cup all night. I find my sons on the floor and under his bed daily. He could also be scared of being alone in his room. With my daughter we got her a night light. Ive also heard a picture of mom and dad works good too. Place it where he can see it clearly.