How can you get your three-year-old to go to sleep without a bedtime bottle at home when he does not use it to go to bed when staying elsewhere?

Answer 1

Its all a matter of association. Go to the library in your county and ask the librarian for some help locating books for 3 years olds about being a "big boy now" "growing" not growing up, lord knows they it goes too fast. You have to help him to let go of the "crutch" he's come to know and love. Try to start using sippy cups for other meals and when you present them tell him that this is what big boys drink out of, don't play up getting rid of the bottle the transition should be gentle and unnoticable, out of mind out of sight, kind of thing. Play hid the bottle during the day and when you cant find the bottle, hint-hint, then suggest you look for something else and find that and what ever that is, later on that night, give him that instead of the bottle and remind him that you didn't find the bottle, you found this. Have him pick this special thing out during the day and carry it with him. If you get a stuffed animal, no eyes or things that can come off during the night, a simple plush toy animal should do. Good luck and let me know how it goes. It's just a habit that he has picked up at home. Instead of milk or juice give him water. Water is not only good for him, but he'll find it boring. Have a girlfriend over with a child around the same age that is using a child's cup to drink from and ignore your son (have him around) and make a big fuss about what a big boy or girl your friend's child is. Before you know it your son will be telling you "Mommy, I'm a big boy, I don't want my bottle." Don't fret so much about it. It's normal and children have all sorts of habits (so do adults) and he'll out-grow it naturally. It's simply a good soothing method for him.