How do I wean my child from the bottle?

My son is 19 months old now and he still uses his bottle. I know that they suggest you not to use the bottle after 18 months because it can delay speech, but I just don't know how to do it. The only time he uses his bottle is a night. He doesn't nap with one any more, but does at bed time. I really want to get him off of it so his speech isn't delayed and because I don't want him having teeth problems from sleeping with his bottle. During the day he will use his sippy cup no problem. How can I transition him from not using the bottle at night, but so he doesn't scream at night either when I put him down with out it? I really hope someone can help me!! Thanx

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

It is normal that he will cry if you remove the bottle. That is not a reason to keep using the bottle at night. You are 'teaching' him that he needs the bottle at night. You'll have tobite the bullet; there's no pain-free way to do this. Unwittingly you have created this problem, but you can solve it.