Toilet training is a bit of a rite of passage in your parenting journey. Toilet training in its own right can be a hugely rewarding milestone for your child and for you. How your child gets there, is varied both in time and technique and we all learn that every child is different.
Night time toilet training is no different. Some children night train almost simultaneously with day training, while other children take significantly more time. There is no ‘right way’ to help your child with night training. For those that have reached a bit of a stalling point, here are some tips to help you on your way.
When do you know your child is ready for night time toilet training?
There are a few reliable signs:
- If your little one is waking dry, or if their nappy is only recently wet (still warm), this suggests that they are wetting when they wake.
- Your little one may call out to you during the night when they need to go to the toilet.
- You may find that your little one is reluctant to wear their night time nappy.
How to start?
- Preparation:
- Is your child able to dress and undress themselves?
- Can he/she reach the door handles/light switch?
- Can he/she climb out of bed on their own?
Consider whether you need a step stool for your child to get in and out of bed and up to the toilet.
- Prepare the bed with waterproof mattress protectors such as Fudgey Protects - Absorbent bed sheets. Accidents are a normal part of night time toilet training, and you want to make the process as easy as you can for yourself…a full bed-change at 3 am is not fun for anyone!
- Is your child still having milk/fluids before bed time? Consider restricting the volume.
- Talk to your child about what will happen if they wake and need to go to the toilet. Discuss the process with them – calling out to you, toileting, back to bed.
- Some parents decide to use a reward chart, while others choose to forgo this, not wanting to put too much pressure on the process. Praising your child on their success and minimising disappointment when accidents happen is important.
- Some families choose to ‘lift’ their child – waking them and sitting them on the toilet when the parent goes to bed.
Bedwetting is a normal part of night time toilet training. Accidents happen! Try not to let any frustrations show – your child’s body is learning something very new to them. As with day time toilet training, if your child isn’t ready, consider taking a break and revisiting the idea in a month or two.
If you have concerns about your child’s toileting, have a chat with your GP.
And remember, all children are different and therefore reach different milestones at different ages and stages.
Happy night time training.
