NightTime Potty Training

NightTime Potty Training

Nighttime potty training is something that comes along after the day time training has been established.

Night time potty training your child is different to the day time training, as your child doesn't yet have the ability of the bladder sending the signal to the brain that he needs to use the loo (not enough to wake him anyway!) So it's not a good idea to make a big deal out of bed wetting. Just clean it up without a fuss and move on. You can leave your child in a nappy at night time, or use some pull-up pants(similar to nappies) Some parents do away with nappies and pull-ups altogether, and use some form of mattress protector. This way your child can actually feel when he is wet. Pampers do a mattress that has a very absorbent pad, rather than just a plastic cover.

If you don't fancy changing your child's bed in the middle of the night, or washing his sheets lots of times every week, you could stick with the protection of a nappy or pull-ups. At least until you notice a few mornings where your child has stayed dry, or the nappy is only slightly damp.

Nighttime potty training tips

There's only so much advice that can be given on night potty training, but here are some really useful tips.

No drinks after a set time at night, depending on when you put your child to bed. My children were not allowed anything after 6pm, only a small cup of milk at around 6.30pm.
Make sure that your child uses the toilet before bed.
If your child is finding it difficult to be dry in the mornings, you could try waking him up to use the toilet just before you go to bed.

Night potty training really is just a matter of time. It's not something that can be rushed, and bed wetting is certainly not something that your child will do on purpose. Remember it's all part of your child's brain maturing and learning signals that his body is sending out.

If you would like to read more about potty training for day and night time I have found two great e books that tackle the subject with 'gusto'! Take a look and see what you think. Potty training in 1 to 3 days and How to potty train your child in hours!

Most experts agree that there isn't really a set age by which your child should be dry at night. My daughter was 3 years old, where as my son was 4 and a half and still had the odd occasional accident. If you are at all worried about your child, do see your health visitor or GP.

Return from nighttime potty training to the toddler page, or back to the New baby and beyond homepage.