How to Potty Train a Toddler at Night

Potty training a child does not only require techniques for teaching the child how and when to use the restroom, but the child has to be physically ready as well. Their sphincter muscles have to be well enough developed that they can control elimination. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, many children are ready to begin potty training between 18 and 24 months of age, although it may be later for some children. Once children are potty trained during the day time, night training is an additional hurdle for parents and children. Parents must recognize that night wetting is not a voluntary action and that night time accidents are a normal part of the potty training process. While patience is key as the child develops, there are some steps parents can take to make night time training a bit easier.

Instructions

    • 1

      Establish a routine and regular bedtime for the child. Consistency helps young children learn and can help their eliminations become more patterned and therefore more controllable.

    • 2

      Have the toddler use the restroom shortly before bedtime so their bladder will be less likely to become too full during the night.

    • 3

      Limit the amount of liquids the toddler consumes in the hours before bedtime. Generally, beginning to taper the fluids after dinner is advisable. This will cause the child's bladder to become less full and ultimately reduce the likelihood of a night time accident.

    • 4

      Consider disposable or cloth training pants for night time. They will reduce the severity of messes and make the process easier on the parents and child.

    • 5

      Use a mattress cover to keep the mattress clean, especially if not using training pants.

    • 6

      Praise your toddler when he makes it through the night without an accident. Encouragement helps to instill the desire in toddlers and young children to stay dry, which is an important part of potty training.

    • 7

      Consider placing a small potty chair in your child's room at night so that it will be readily available if she wakes up with the urge to use it.

    • 8

      Once the toddler begins staying dry at night more often, replace night time training pants with regular cotton underwear. Occasional accidents are to be expected, but the toddler will start to become more aware of her elimination when using cotton underwear. It is a good idea to keep using a mattress cover until the child is able to stay dry every night.

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