I'd give him a decent chance to find his paci first because you want him to learn how to do that without your help. You can encourage him with words while he's doing it, like "Your paci is close by sweetie, just feel around - you'll find it."
Just soothe like normal for NWs before you go to bed. I'm hoping by having an instant response with you on the mattress it might get him out of the habit and start getting used to sleeping for longer stretches.
Are we sure there aren't any medical problems? Reflux usually doesn't affect LOs at this age, but just want to make sure that it isn't a factor -- frequent NWs like this are very common for 'fluxers and sucking is their preferred way of soothing the burning in their throat. Also, do you see any sign of teeth? The canines usually come in around this age and they are ultra painful. I realize the waking for the bottle's been going on for ages but it's unusual for a LO to continue to wake so frequently after the reward has been removed.
