My son is 16 months old and drinks milk before bed?

Question

He drinks milk from a sippie cup. He has vomitted three times in the last week right after drinking the milk. Its not the milk because its different milk each time. What is it. Could he be lactose intolerant.

Answer 1

Probably Gastric reflex . . .To help your toddler get a good night's rest, be sure to feed him dinner at least an hour before bedtime and avoid drinks right before bed so he has time to digest before he hits the sack.

Answer 2

I don't have the most complete answer for this, but I wanted to add my two cents.

Lactose intolerance I think is a digestive issue, so he would get gassy and maybe have diarrhea if he were intolerant. Throwing up would make me think allergy, although allergies and intolerances are sometimes just a matter of severity, rather than different symptoms. But I think the majority of answers so far, about reflux are the most likely cause of throwing up, and the strategy of having him digest the milk before he lies down the best solution.

I especially wanted to comment on the answer that said it is only the milk in the bottle that can cause tooth decay. That is just untrue. Of course it is the naturally occurring sugar in the milk, which stays on the teeth all night. So even if it is given in a sippy cup, have him rinse his mouth with water after the milk is finished and before he falls asleep. Unfortunately, I have a 2 year old with 3 cavities because I wasn't diligent enough about this and about thorough brushing. I thought it was more for getting them in the habit than really functionally important. :(

Answer 3

yes he could be lactose intolerance or it could be just do to the fact he should not drink it so close to going to bed try giving him the milk a half an hour before bedtime so that it will setle more in his stomach if that does not work and he still gets sick try giving him some mild juice,or flavored water or some diluted kool-aid,that way you can see if it's the milk or not.

Answer 4

Cow's milk is very hard to digest. Why not just give him a bit of water, but not at bedtime because soon you'll be asking him to stay dry through the night.


IT'S REFLUX NOT REFLEX sheesh another reason to take this site with a grain of salt!

I have reflux, my husband and 22-year-old son both have reflux, and nowhere in any of the literature is vomiting mentioned.

The rotten teeth thing is actually from putting them to bed with a bottle, so you are safe there.

Answer 5

You should stop giving him the milk before bed. Milk can make anyone sick, especially when you lay down. If he must have somethng, give him water. The milk will also rot his teeth. Good luck and Happy New Year

Answer 6

when you drink milk right before you lay down, you are just asking for your tummy to get upset. I would not say lactose, but would suggest not letting him drink himself to sleep with milk, for two reasons.
1. it is not good on the teeth or gums
2. not good on a gentle tummy.

I suggest giving water only when he plans to fall asleep. And give milk and juice earlier in the day. this will kill two birds with one stone, no tooth rot, and no sick tummy. good luck

Answer 7

If it's before bed time maybe he has acid reflux and once he lays down it is bothering him. Try putting a big thick book under the head of his mattress to help elevate his upper body as he sleeps. then contact the doctor and see if it isn't something else more serious.

Answer 8

is he drinking milk another time of day? and not vomiting?
He may be getting to much milk
try giving him half the amount
And try staying with the same milk if you can

Answer 9

its possible, my daughter use to get sick at night all the time when she was younger. the doctor said to cut back on dairy and shes ok now,

Answer 10

try not to feed him milk right before bed try a lil bit of water.....(p.s. ask your pediatrician not some random kid from NY!!!)