Letting him cry has started working like a charm! He's never cried for longer than 7 seven minutes and it's more like moaning than crying and he is actually getting himself back to sleep!
poor baby doesn't remember it. poor baby needs to sleep at night. poor baby doesn't know how to do it on his own. poor mom has every right to want a good night's sleep -- it's not being selfish or a bad mom. for more go to: http://parents.berkeley.edu/advice/sleep/cry.html
i agree letting the baby cry it out shows them that they have to find something else to comfort them and they will make themselves tired enough to sleep...i how ever have a similar problem...i stuck with the bottle and now my little guy needs it i sometimes have to refill it a few times but i wish i would of started earlier...i hope 18months is too late?