Thanks! I used the "sleep on the couch many times " method. Lol.
He was sporadically not asking for milk as much around 14months. Then at about 17 months I went out with a girlfriend and decided I could spend the night at her house and OH would take care of LO. He always said it was much easier when I was not around because he didn't want milk. so it was a good night he said, and a few weeks later I began staying on the couch most of the night and he would wake up and grizzle but snuggle in with OH. Then I'd start coming to bed and refuse his asking for milk until 5-6 am. I will still feed him now around 5-6 am. We also feed him a lot right before bbed. Hummus, yogurts, fruits, stuff to try and fill him up.
He still does wake and ask for milk but doesn't get as upset for as long and will snuggle in with me. Still co sleeping. Its like the initial response to having no milk is pure anger, but it lasts MUCH shorter than what I wa dealing with before. Before he wouldn't settle until I gave in. I think his age just helps him understand too. I can say "no milk right now, snuggles." and seems he gets that.
I wouldn't call him 100% weaned, as he still has some nights he asks and whines for it, but it's 98% better than 3 months ago!
I would say the trick for us was me not being right there every night when asked for milk, and a very gradual transition. Although, I wasn't in a hurry. I am sure if you wanted it done quicker, be much more firm than I was. As we gradually did it, I would just go longer. If it was 1am rather than 11pm, I would feed. If he then made it to 2:30 I would let him, etc. Until it became later and later. Some day i'll make him wait until breakfast time maybe or take out the morning one. But right now i'm fine with it!
so i am hoping to learn a lot from you ladies! how do i begin?
