Potty training and overcoming bedwetting
13th August 2018
Children go through many stages when they grow and develop, and bed wetting is one of the most common problems that they will experience. No matter how well they’re potty trained, many children will occasionally wet the bed up to the age of 10, and although you may feel zapped of energy, there a few things you can do to help before you start feeling frustrated. This month with Tiny World Day Nursery, we’ll be explaining the importance of paced potty training and supportive methods to prevent bedwetting.
Potty training
Getting your child to use the potty is quite the skill and because of that, there’s no surprise it takes time for them to master it. So when potty training your child, it’s important to take it slowly and help them develop at their own pace. Children are only able to control their bladder and bowels once they are physically ready – so being strict won’t help – but being supportive will.
Age 1 – by this age, the majority of babies stop doing poos during the night
Age 2 – some children, but not all (as it is still very early), will be dry throughout the day
Age 3 – 90% of children will be dry in the day but they can still have the odd accident when distracted, overly upset or excited
Age 4 – you can be relatively confident that your child will be dry all day
When to start potty training
The majority of parents will start potty training their child when they’re between two and two-and-a-half. Usually, parents will wait for the summer when their child is wearing fewer clothes, as it can be difficult to remove many layers of clothing when a child has a sudden urge to use the potty.
Only start potty training when you can use it consistently, so that it becomes a habit for your child to ask for the potty when they must go to the toilet. Take the potty with you everywhere, even when you go out. Reiterate to anyone that might look after your child – whether that’s their grandparents, nanny or nursery nurses – that they must stick your child’s new potty routine.
Signs your child is beginning to develop bladder control:
- They are aware when they have gone in their nappy
- They tell you that they having a wee
- Unable to stand still when they need to go to the potty or they hide somewhere quiet
- They tell you they need to go, in advance
Potty training can be difficult but it’s important to only start once your child is able to sit upright and understand your instructions.
Tips that will help overcome bedwetting
It can be a pain cleaning the bed yet again after your child’s wet the bed but it’s important to support your child emotionally – do not punish your child, simply help them along with a few things to prevent any bedwetting. Remember, to keep the bed clean and clear, use a mattress protector and have enough fresh sheets to ensure they’re not without any the next night.
Limit liquid intake before bed
It’s important for children to stay well hydrated but try to avoid giving them a drink two hours before their bedtime.
Sort a schedule
Have your child go to the toilet before they go to bed.
Do not punish your child
If they do wet the bed, don’t get angry – they’re still learning. Instead, reward your child for dry nights, you could get them a sticker chart and add stickers to it for every dry night they do have. For the nights when they do wet the bed, reassure them that they are doing well – maybe even turn to the chart and show them all their stickers to prove to them that it’s not impossible.
Use absorbent pants
There’s an argument for and against using absorbent pants – many suggest that it gives their child the confidence they need to keep dry at night because the pressure is off, since the bed won’t be wet (making the cleaning process much easier to deal with). Others suggest that it can be less motivating for your child to get up and to the toilet in time.
At Tiny World Day Nursery, we’re here to help your child through their journey by offering a safe place to learn, play and have some fun. We have over three decades of experience working with babies, toddlers and older children – so if you would like to know more, please call us today. We can be found throughout Nottingham and Mansfield on Stockhill Lane, Arnold Road and Layton Avenue.