Once toddlers learn to use the potty and begin to sport those “big-kid” underpants, many parents begin to feel they are “home free” in the potty-training department. But it can take a while longer for toddlers to master staying dry all night long. That’s because the child’s bladder needs to be mature enough to hold all of the urine buildup for the entire night.

Your child may not grow and mature in this area until age 4 or 5. Once he is ready, how can you help him be successful?

Strategies for Nighttime Dryness

  • Stress drinking during the daytime; limit fluids after dinner.
  • Allow only small bedtime drinks.
  • Use easy-to-remove pajamas.
  • Take your child to the bathroom before parents go to bed.
  • Use night-lights for easy access to the bathroom.
  • Keep the house warm.
  • Keep a potty-chair near the child’s bed.
  • Offer a reward for a dry night.

Easing the Stress of Nighttime Accidents

  • Use two sets of sheets with a waterproof barrier between each. Add another waterproof barrier between the bottom sheets and the mattress. Remove the top set of bedding when wet. (Vinyl shower curtain liners work well and sell for under $3.00.)
  • Use a large towel over the waterproof barrier for extra absorbency.
  • Use a sleeping bag when the bed gets wet.
  • Protect the pillow with a zippered plastic cover under the pillowcase.
  • Have extra pajamas and underpants ready.
  • For wet spots in mattresses, carpet or upholstery, blot, sprinkle with baking soda, wait 30 minutes, then vacuum. (This absorbs odors.)

If you suspect your child’s nighttime wetting may be caused by a physical problem, see your child’s doctor. Otherwise, accept that accidents are going to happen. Try to respond positively and without criticism. I tell my children about times that I had accidents as a child. This helps them see that it happens to everyone, and that I understand. I use comments like “No big deal” or “Maybe next time” to ease their frustration.

Again, be patient and consistent. Try to relax about the process as much as possible. If you make a big deal about nighttime dryness, the child’s worry about the problem could delay success for months. 

 

Kim Armbrustmacher is a mother of three, a child care provider, and a freelance writer in St. Johns, Michigan.