Guide to Night Toilet Training: Gentle Steps for Dry Nights

The truth about night-time dryness (and why it’s perfectly normal if it’s taking time).

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If your little one is smashing daytime toilet training but still wakes up in soggy pyjamas some mornings (or most mornings), please know this: you’re not doing anything wrong. Night-time dryness is one of the last milestones of early childhood… and it takes time for every child’s body to catch up.

According to the Raising Children Network, around one in six kids still wet the bed at age six, and many don’t stay consistently dry until seven or eight. So, if you’re still changing sheets long after your friends’ kids are waking dry, you’re not behind – you’re just on your own child’s timeline.

Night-time dryness depends on the brain and bladder learning to communicate while your child sleeps. Some children develop that awareness earlier, while others simply need more time, rest, and reassurance.

1. Is your child ready for night toilet training?

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There’s no magic age for ditching the night nappy, but there are a few signs that suggest your child’s body might be getting there. You might notice:

• They’re waking up dry several mornings in a row
• They’re asking to sleep without a pull-up
• They’re waking and calling out because they need to wee
• They can stay dry during day naps

If none of these are happening yet, it’s absolutely fine to wait. Trying too early can lead to frustration for both of you. Many parents find it easier to follow their child’s lead rather than forcing the transition.

Our tip: when in doubt, focus on your kid’s confidence and not their clothing. Staying in pull-ups or absorbent pants for a while longer doesn’t mean they’re failing… it’s just a tool to keep nights stress-free while their body learns.

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2. Setting the stage for dry nights

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A few gentle tweaks can make night training smoother and less stressful for everyone. Think of it as helping your child’s body feel supported, not pressured.

Adjusting fluids (without restriction)

Encourage plenty of water during the day so your child’s bladder is used to filling and emptying regularly. Then, naturally slow down drinks an hour before bed… but never restrict fluids to the point of discomfort. Hydration helps, even for bedwetters.

Create a predictable routine

A simple pre-bed ritual can make a big difference. For example:

• Brush teeth, toilet, wash hands, story, lights out.

If they wake during the night, calmly guide them to the toilet and back to bed – no big deal, just gentle consistency.

Layer the bed

This one is a game-changer: two waterproof mattress protectors with fitted sheets layered on top of each other. That way, if there’s an accident at 2 am, you can whip off the top layer and everyone’s back to sleep in minutes.

Also ‘Brolly Sheets’ or Waterproof Bed pads are also a great idea. You can get these in a variety of colours and designs, and simply place them over the top of the fitted sheets (and waterproof mattress protectors) to catch any accidents. Then you simply remove and replace with minimal fuss if there are any overnight mishaps. 

Night lights and comfort

A dim light or hallway lamp can help children find their way to the toilet without fear. Some parents also leave the door slightly ajar to reduce anxiety about moving around in the dark.

Also, taking kids for a ‘dream wee’ before you go to sleep yourself later in the evening can help them to get through the night. Though this only works if your child resettles easily afterwards. You don’t want to be waking your little ones unnecessarily. 

Focus on encouragement, not outcomes

Praise effort and not dryness. Celebrate small wins, like “You remembered to go before bed!” or “You woke me up when you needed to wee.” This reinforces independence without attaching shame to accidents.

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3. What’s normal (and what might need checking)

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For most children, bedwetting (also called nocturnal enuresis) is simply part of development. But sometimes, it can have an underlying cause that’s worth checking with your GP.

Deep sleeping

Some children sleep so soundly that their brain doesn’t respond to the bladder’s signal. Bedwetting alarms can help over time, but patience is key… the brain-bladder connection will strengthen naturally over time.

Constipation

A full bowel can press against the bladder, reducing its capacity. Look for signs like skipping days between poos, large or hard stools, or tummy pain. Increasing fibre, fluids, and regular toilet time can help.

Mouth breathing and sleep issues

This one surprises many parents: ongoing mouth breathing, snoring, or restless sleep can sometimes signal sleep-disordered breathing or mild sleep apnoea, which can interfere with the body’s production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). That hormone helps the body make less urine overnight.
If your child snores, breathes through their mouth, or has dark circles under their eyes, mention it to your GP or a paediatric ENT. Sometimes, treating nasal congestion or enlarged tonsils can help reduce bedwetting.

Family history

Bedwetting often runs in families, so if you or your partner were late to stay dry, it’s likely your child will grow out of it in time too.

4. Helping your child feel confident and calm

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Night toilet training can stir up big feelings. Older kids might feel embarrassed, worried about sleepovers, or frustrated that their body isn’t “keeping up” with their friends. Here’s how to help them feel safe and supported.

• Normalise it. Try saying: “Lots of kids your age still wear night undies – it’s just how our bodies learn.”
• Stay calm during clean-ups. Accidents are never their fault. Keep the tone gentle and neutral: “That’s okay, let’s get changed and try again tomorrow.”
• Give ownership gradually. Let your child help strip the bed or place their PJs in the laundry. It builds confidence and normalises the process.
• Talk openly. If they’re anxious about sleepovers, reassure them it’s okay to wait. When they’re ready, talk to the hosting parent privately about using discreet pull-ups.
• Avoid comparison. Every child’s bladder develops differently… just as they all walked, talked, and toilet-trained at different ages.

5. Practical supports and gentle tools

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There’s no need for gimmicks, but a few well-chosen products can make the process easier:

• Waterproof mattress protectors: breathable, machine-washable covers that protect your mattress investment.
• Reusable night-time training pants: great for reducing waste while still offering security.
• Bedwetting alarms: for older children (usually 6+), these can be effective when used under professional guidance.
• Night lights: help reduce fear and make the path to the toilet clear.
• Absorbent sheet layers: like ‘Brolly Sheets’ or waterproof reusable “top sheets” or pads that catch small accidents.

Most importantly, skip punishment or shame-based tactics… they only make children anxious and less likely to develop awareness naturally.

6. When to reach out for help

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Most of the time, bedwetting fades as your child’s body matures. But it’s worth checking in with your GP or child health nurse if:

• Your child is over 7 and still wetting regularly
• Bedwetting starts again after months of dryness
• There’s pain, excessive thirst, or frequent daytime urination
  
• Your child snores or breathes through their mouth
• It’s causing distress or impacting their confidence

Your GP can assess whether there’s an underlying medical or sleep-related reason, or refer you to a paediatric continence clinic for support.

Useful Australian resources:

• Raising Children Network – Bedwetting
• Continence Foundation of Australia
• Healthdirect – Bedwetting in children

7. For parents: cut yourself some slack too

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Night toilet training can test even the calmest parent’s patience, especially when you’re stripping sheets at 3 am. Remember that you’re learning too: how to support your child’s development while keeping your own sanity intact.

If you’re exhausted, simplify the routine: use protective layers, keep spare PJs handy, and remember that consistency beats perfection. This isn’t about “fixing” your child…it’s about helping them grow confident and secure, knowing they’re loved no matter what.

You might even find that letting go of expectations makes everything easier, with fewer power struggles, more connection, and ultimately, better sleep for everyone.

Wrapping Up

Dry nights don’t happen on a schedule, and that’s okay. Your child’s bladder and brain will sync when they’re ready, and the best thing you can offer until then is patience, warmth, and belief in them.

So, keep the spare sheets nearby, but also keep the perspective: this is just another short chapter in your child’s growing-up story. One day, you’ll barely remember the midnight laundry, but your child will remember how loved and supported they felt through it all.