Potty training can be a challenging milestone, especially when it comes to night-time dryness. However, with the right preparation and a positive approach, night-time potty training can be a smooth and stress-free experience for both you and your child. In this guide, we’ll answer a common question many parents ask: How do you potty train a 4-year-old at night?
At What Age Should You Start Night-Time Potty Training?
Most children achieve daytime dryness between 2-4 years old, but staying dry through the night often takes longer. Bedwetting in 4-year-olds is completely normal. According to the NHS, one in five 5-year-olds still occasionally wet the bed.
There is no fixed age to start night-time potty training. Instead, the best indicator is whether your child is showing signs of readiness.
Signs Your Child is Ready for Night-Time Potty Training
Here are a few key signs that your child might be ready to transition to dry nights:
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They wake up at night to use the toilet or call out for help.
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They stay dry during naps.
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Their pull-ups or pyjama pants are often dry in the morning.
If your child is showing these signs, it might be time to start night-time potty training.
Useful Items for Potty Training Your 4-Year-Old at Night
Preparation is key to making the process as easy as possible for both you and your child. Here are some essential items to help with night-time potty training:
Waterproof Mattress Protector
Accidents are a normal part of night-time potty training, so protecting your child’s mattress is essential. Using a waterproof sheet makes cleanup quick and easy, ensuring your child can get back to sleep with minimal disruption.
Check out our Hygge Sheets Bed Pads for Bed Wetting. These machine-washable and tumble-dry-friendly bed mats come in fun, colourful designs that kids love, making the potty training process less stressful for parents and more engaging for little ones.
Potty in Your Child’s Room
Having a potty close to your child’s bed makes it much easier for them to get up and go if they need to wee during the night. If the bathroom is too far away or they struggle to reach it in time, this can lead to bed wetting. Placing a potty near their bed ensures they have an accessible option.
Gentle Night Light
Bright lights can wake your child up too much, making it harder for them to fall back asleep. Instead, use a soft night light that provides just enough illumination for them to find their way to the potty or bathroom.
Check out our Hygge Sheets Night Lights, designed to give a comforting glow that helps children navigate their way to the potty without fully waking up.
Practical Night Clothes
While onesies and all-in-ones are cute, they aren’t ideal for quick night-time toilet trips. Dressing your child in simple pyjamas or a nightie will make it easier for them to use the potty independently.
Bedwetting Alarm
If your child is struggling with frequent accidents, a bedwetting alarm can be a useful tool. These alarms detect moisture and gently wake your child as soon as they start to wee, helping them learn to recognise the sensation of needing to go during the night.
Explore our Dri Sleeper Bedwetting Alarm, designed to support night-time potty training by gradually training your child’s brain to wake up when they need to wee.
Be Patient
Every child is different, and night-time dryness doesn’t happen overnight. Accidents will happen, and that’s perfectly normal. It’s important to stay patient and supportive throughout the process.
If your child is consistently having more wet nights than dry ones after a week, it might be a good idea to pause night-time training and try again later. You can continue using pull-ups or night-time nappies until they show more readiness.
Final Thoughts
Approaching night-time potty training with positivity and patience will make the process much smoother for your child. Having the right tools, such as waterproof sheets, a potty nearby, and a gentle night light, can reduce disruptions and help your little one feel more comfortable and confident.
Remember, bedwetting is normal for a 4-year-old, and with time, patience, and the right support, dry nights will soon become the norm.
Happy night-time potty training!
Take care,
Catherine x
Why purchase a Hygge Sheet®?
As a mum of 2 children, Hygge Sheets® have been designed with parents and kids in mind. Our products are both practical for parents and fun for kids. Described as a "Game Changer" by parents this is a must have product!
