Nighttime Potty Training: How to Help Your Child Stop Wearing Diapers at Night

When is your child ready to stop using diapers at night?

Here are some clear signs that your child might be ready to go without a diaper overnight:

• The diaper is dry several mornings in a row
• Your child wakes up and says they need to pee
• They pee right before bedtime and stay dry through the night
• They show interest in sleeping without a diaper

The most important thing is that your child feels involved and excited — that makes the whole process much smoother.

Tips for Successful Nighttime Potty Training

Making the leap from nighttime diapers to dry nights is a process. Here are some helpful tips to support both you and your child:

1. Wait until your child is ready

Don’t rush to take the diaper away too soon. Some kids stay dry at night by 2.5 years, while others need diapers until kindergarten – both are totally normal!

2. Pee before bedtime

Get into the habit of using the toilet right before bed. This helps prevent accidents during the night.

3. Protect the mattress

Use a waterproof mattress cover or pad to avoid changing the whole bed in case of an accident. Keep extra sheets nearby for quick swaps.

4. Limit drinks before bed

Offer plenty of fluids during the day, but try to cut back in the hour before bedtime.

5. Choose easy-off pajamas

If your child wakes up needing to pee, it helps if they’re wearing clothes they can take off easily.

What if there’s a nighttime accident?

Accidents are a normal part of the process. Try not to show disappointment or frustration. Instead, say something like, “Oops, looks like you had an accident. Let’s change the sheets and get cozy again.”
Give your child reassurance and let them know you’re patient. Every child learns at their own pace.

Should you wake your child to use the potty?

Some parents choose to lift their child and set them on the potty while they’re still half-asleep — for example, around 10 PM. This works for some families, but keep in mind the goal is for your child to wake up when they need to go. Use this as a short-term tool, not a long-term strategy.

When should you hold off on night training?

If your child is a heavy sleeper, frequently wets their diaper, or doesn’t seem mentally ready, it’s okay to wait. There’s no need to rush. Nighttime potty training will happen when your child is ready.

Related reading: When is it time for potty training? How to tell if your child is ready