A child usually masters daytime toileting well before they can keep their bed dry at night. There are many practical suggestions you can try to manage bedwetting. Remember that if your child is scared of the dark, going to the toilet at night is an enormous challenge. Show
Avoiding stress over toilet trainingToilet training takes time. Try to keep a relaxed attitude. Toileting is not a reflection on your parenting. If you treat toileting as a matter of discipline and punish your child for accidents, you are starting a fight you can’t win. You will delay toilet training by making your child unhappy and anxious about going to the toilet. When a child is ready for toilet trainingKeep using nappies until your child show signs that they are ready to start toilet training, including:
Potty versus toilet during toilet trainingYou have to decide whether you want your child to use the toilet or a potty. Issues to consider include:
Preparation for toilet trainingSuggestions for preparing for toilet training include:
Starting toilet trainingSuggestions for starting toilet training include:
Accidents during toilet trainingSuggestions for dealing with toileting accidents include:
Coping with setbacks in toilet trainingSometimes, toilet training is two steps forward and one step back. Your child may seem to have mastered toileting, only to regress (go backwards). Life events or changes in routine, such as a new baby brother or sister, or an illness, are common triggers. Suggestions include:
Night-time toilet trainingDon’t assume that your child can keep their bed dry just because they can manage their toileting when they are awake. A child usually masters daytime toileting before they can keep their bed dry at night. Most children under the age of five years still urinate in their sleep, and one in 10 younger primary school children do too. It can help to think of staying dry at night as completely separate from daytime toilet use. To decide whether your child is ready to go without nappies at night, consider signs such as:
Preparations for night-time toilet trainingSuggestions include:
Tips for night-time toilet trainingSuggestions for helping your child stay dry at night include:
Things to avoid in night-time toilet trainingSome approaches will only delay your attempts to help your child stay dry at night. Approaches to avoid include:
Problems staying dry at nightIf your child is finding it difficult to stay dry at night, helpful suggestions include:
Where to get helpThis page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
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