• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

A Moment With Franca

A Family, Lifestyle & Travel Blog

  • Home
  • About
    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
  • Family
    • Family Events
    • Family Life
    • Family Days Out
    • Birthdays
  • Lifestyle
    • Home & Interiors
    • Bathrooms
    • Bedrooms
    • Garden
    • Kitchen
    • Health
  • Travel
    • Days Out
    • Things To Do In London
    • Holidays
    • Press Trips
  • Reviews
    • Toys & Games
    • Days Out
    • Fashion
    • Beauty
  • Seasonal
    • Christmas
    • Halloween
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Easter
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Giveaways
  • Show Search
Hide Search

Potty Training at Night

amomentwithfranca · 23 February 2016 · 50 Comments

I hope I’m not alone to say that potty training your kids is one of the most tedious jobs ever. It is just one of those things that you wish you don’t have to deal with and hoping for your kids to kind of learn it on their own! Well at least that’s the way I feel, lol.

Potty Training at Night

Potty training Bella during the day was a task but she eventually got it very quickly in about a week. This was at her second attempt at 3 years old as the first time we tried it, when she was 2 years old, was just not possible as she wasn’t ready.

The problem was that she had a few regressions caused by an unfortunate constipation. She suddenly didn’t want to use the toilet anymore as she was scared. Things like that were always a step back but then she finally mastered it and things were great during the day, so no more nappies and hello to normal underwear! Well at least during the day.

Our problem was always the nights. This was something that Bella was struggling with for years! We let her have her Pull-Ups during the night and we just decided to wait for the correct moment to try to stop using them. The first time we tried she didn’t manage to keep dry. We persisted for a few days but it was always the same so we decided that she was definitely not ready for this yet and it was better to wait. The next time we tried, Bella was using Pyjama Pants and not Pull-Ups anymore. It is a similar idea to Pull-Ups but they can hold more pee during the night (Bella at this stage was 4 years old). I was pregnant with Sienna and desperate to get Bella out of her Pyjama Pants. We tried for a couple of weeks and she was successful at the beginning but then the accidents started again and I had to keep changing the sheets (up to 4 times one night) and so I decided to stop again, returning to the Pyjama Pants. I guess being pregnant wasn’t really the best state of mind in which to be dealing with this so with hindsight it was perhaps obvious that this wouldn’t work out but I just wanted to try. 

The next attempt was last summer, a few months after Bella had turned 5. It was of course a big concern for me as she was getting older and older and we were still regularly stocking the wardrobe with Pyjama Pants. I was actually worried that she would be wearing them forever, even on her wedding day, LOL!

Anyway, this time we all decided that it was time to get rid of the Pyjama Pants once and for all so when the last pack ran out I had a conversation with Bella and said that she was already 5 and she was now big enough to go to the toilet during the night and that she will not be wearing Pyjama Pants anymore. It was an easy conversation for once as she actually agreed with me.

We started to make a conscious effort to cut her liquids after her evening meal and I was constantly talking to her about it so she was mentally prepared. She went to the toilet before she went to bed and we told her that later in the night we were going to take her to the toilet again. We also put a waterproof sheet underneath her while she slept just in case. At about 11:30 we took her again to the toilet. She was confused but she actually did pee and I was of course constantly monitoring her that night. I think I hardly slept worrying that she would wet the bed, but she didn’t. It was a successful first night.

The following night we did exactly the same thing and it worked again. She was like this for about 4 days. On day 5 she had an accident! Oh no I was so disappointed! Why did she have an accident? What did we do wrong? I was confused. 

The following day we did the same routine but she had an accident again. It was so confusing, but then after a few days of failures she had a dry night again. The celebrations didn’t last long. She managed to be good for another week but a week later she had a few more accidents. The whole process was so frustrating and we were like this for months, some nights good but then an accident!! Cleaning sheets and changing pyjamas were just part of the routine! One thing we did do this time was to stick with it with no return to Pyjama Pants, even if it meant waking her in the night to empty her bladder. From the moment we said no more Pyjama Pants, that was it, there was no going back!! This is the best recommendation I could give to any parent trying to potty train during the night. 

I must admit that I was really worried about this whole process. I didn’t understand why Bella at 5 years old was still wetting the bed. She had a GP appointment for her eczema and I discussed it with the doctor just in case. The doctor explained that each child is different and of course some kids develop at a different pace to others. The bladder should mature enough in order to be able to hold the pee for the whole night. Apparently this wasn’t just something that needed teaching but it was something that needed lots of patience because you just need to wait for this moment to come. She said that wetting the bed up to 7 or 8 years old was still considered normal but perhaps after that age it could be possible that there could be some other issue. If it was still happening then, we could discuss about it at that time. 

I felt more relieved after that conversation as I felt that it was still okay if Bella wasn’t ready for this because her bladder was not mature enough to hold her pee for the whole night. We just kept trying and remained persistent with it. The routine was to always make her do a pee before bedtime and then take her to the toilet later in the night to make sure her bladder was empty and this would allow her to get through the whole night. Since then, Bella hasn’t had any more accidents. I guess this is a routine for her now so she knows that she needs to go to the toilet if she needs to pee and not do it in the bed. Also her bladder has matured as it is holding much more liquid during the night from 11:30 to 7:30 am, so it is definitely a huge improvement.

At this stage I can say that she is finally potty trained at night if you would like to call it like that but my only concern now is for how long do I need to encourage her to go to the toilet later in the night. I’m hoping that soon she won’t need it and that she will go all night without having to go to the toilet or better still, gets up and goes to the toilet on her own if she needs to without us asking her to do it. I hope this will just come with time. 

This post is for all the parents out there that are struggling with potty training their kids during the night. I think it is important to be persistent and always to keep trying. It is not easy but eventually will happen. Just be aware that the bladder needs to mature enough in order to hold the amount of liquid your child needs to keep dry during the night. For this we just need to be patient and give it time.

I guess if you are concerned it is always better to have a conversation with your GP as the one I had actually helped me and gave me more hope. I was more relaxed and less worried after that and I just knew that things would progress with time and if not there is always the option to have the proper conversation with the doctors when that moment comes and there has been no progress at all.

Have you had any problems like this with potty training during the night? What was your experience? Do you have any tips to improve this process? Please leave a comment below as I would love to hear what you thing.

Thanks for stopping by,

Love you all ❤️

Franca  💋

Related

Filed Under: Bella, Development, Parenting Tagged With: Potty Training at Nights

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Claire at Tin box Traveller says

    23 February 2016 at

    We’ve now cracked the potty during the day but I think we’re a long way off sorting out our nighttime routine. Tin Box Tot is waking us up to let us know she needs a wee which I’m guessing is a good sign…if you don’t mind getting up five times in the night! Your doctor’s words are reassuring though. I wasn’t really sure when we should start expecting the Tot to go through the night, but she is obviously still too young at three-years-old x

    Reply
  2. Katy - Hot Pink Wellingtons says

    24 February 2016 at

    We are only just now even starting to contemplate potty training, but it’s always good to read other people’s stories. This kind of thing is something that you don’t hear people talk about much – when people say they’ve potty trained, I’ve always assumed that’s that sorted for day and night but it must not be the case for so many. When you think about it, to go all night is quite a major achievement, so I guess it’s not surprising that the bladder needs to mature enough to be able to accomplish that. #BloggerClubUK

    Reply
  3. Mrs Tubbs says

    24 February 2016 at

    It’s not that anyone is doing anything wrong or there’s a problem, just that some children’s bladders take longer to mature than others. We had the same conversation with our GP as well! A few of the mum’s at toddlers have ‘fessed up that when they say “potty trained”, they mean during the day too.

    It’s not something that most people talk abou. By the time the children are old enough for there to be a concern, they’re old enough to know when mummy is telling people things that they don’t want her too!

    Reply
  4. Coombe Mill says

    24 February 2016 at

    It does sounds like you’ve really been through it but at least you got there in the end. I think I must have been very lucky with all of mine, they all did nights and days together very young. I did cut out last bedtime milk when I did it so they had their last drink with their tea for a few weeks till they were confident but that was all. Sounds like you did the right thing stepping away and going back to it when things weren’t working out. #bloggerclubuk

    Reply
  5. Romi says

    26 February 2016 at

    Que linda Bella!,
    No crees que ya es hora de poner opción de idiomas¿ así te lo leen en varios idiomas

    Reply
  6. Educating roversi says

    27 February 2016 at

    We haven’t started potty training yet as my son is only 20mo but I’m dreading it! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  7. Robyn says

    27 February 2016 at

    Well done on your night-time toilet training success, that must be a big relief for all of you! Good luck with getting over the final hurdle of having to wake Bella through the night for a toilet trip. Toilet training is still a little way off for us, but it’s good to read about other people’s experiences and start to catalogue some tips and ideas in the old brain 🙂 #kcacols

    Reply
  8. tracey bowden says

    27 February 2016 at

    I think you have the right idea. Persistence is key in these things. I was lucky with Olivia she was dry through the night on her 3rd birthday thanks to a trip to Disneyland. She went cold turkey on no bedtime bottles and no nappies/pull ups in just 5 nights xx

    Reply
  9. Nadia - ScandiMummy says

    27 February 2016 at

    Well done you for trying, and I’m sure it will work out once Bella is really ready. We are no where near potty training so have no experience. #KCACOLS

    Nadia – ScandiMummy x

    Reply
  10. Jessica Powell (Babi a Fi) says

    27 February 2016 at

    We still have it all to come! I really have no idea how Marianna will take to potty training yet. She doesn’t like change very much so perhaps we will have a battle on our hands! x #KCACOLS

    Reply
  11. Silly Mummy says

    27 February 2016 at

    Glad you have got there in the end! We’re struggling with potty training eldest currently, She is really resistant to wanting to do it, and does not show any signs of knowing when she needs to wee (or being bothered by full nappies). Currently the 18 month old is showing far more signs of being ready to potty train than the 2yr 10month old! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  12. sarah says

    27 February 2016 at

    We have just finally cracked potty training in the day time, and we’ve slowly moved on to going out and about and her using public toilets if needed. We haven’t attempted night time yet if I’m honest, but it will be on the horizon soon enough. I think you definitely have the right idea thou hun and could learn a thing or 2 from ya xx
    #kcacols

    Reply
  13. Rebecca U says

    28 February 2016 at

    I really need to make an effort with Max to get him dry at night – I thought it would just happen naturally but so far, nothing x

    Reply
  14. veronica lee says

    28 February 2016 at

    Some children’s bladders take longer to mature than others. They are ready, when they are ready. Patience is the keyword! I am guessing that when most toddlers’ mums say their kiddos are “potty trained”, they mean during the day.

    #KCACOLS

    Reply
  15. Mrs mum nz says

    28 February 2016 at

    Wow! I didn’t even know that it took that long for the bladder to mature. Certainly makes us look at the situation in a different way. #KCACOLS

    Reply
  16. BEAUTYBABYANDME says

    28 February 2016 at

    Oh bless you hun what a challenging journey! But you got there in the end – clearly the signs of a fabulous mummy! I can’t say I am looking forward to having to deal with potty training but posts and advice like this will really help. Thanks for sharing chick and well done xxx #KCACOLS

    Reply
  17. Emma says

    28 February 2016 at

    What a fantastic, reassuring post. With our oldest she cracked potty training very quickly when she had just turned two. We did exactly the same with youngest at 2 but she clearly wasn’t ready so we managed to train her at about 2 1/2 years, we would have left it until 3 but as we were going away on holiday we really wanted her out of nappies during the day. However, she is now three but still has nappies on at night. I was wondering when the best time to stop that was but reading what your Dr has said I think I will leave it for now.

    You sound like you have had a challenging potty journey and you have been really patient with all those night bedtime changes, so well done you have done a fab job 🙂 and thanks for the really useful info! #KACOLS

    Reply
  18. Mummyitsok says

    28 February 2016 at

    Great post. Little man is 2 1/2 he’s just not interested yet hopefully going to start him off in a couple of months when he’s closer to 3. I’d rather he did it in his own time I don’t want to force it and stress him out! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  19. Maria @ Suburban Mum says

    28 February 2016 at

    Well done – you got there in the end! It really is true that every child is different. We potty trained M recently and he has been dry in the nights most evenings since we started but when we potty trained E it took him much longer to be dry at night. So it really just depends on the child and their bladder control! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  20. Kate Tunstall says

    28 February 2016 at

    This is really interesting for me as I’m yet to reach the potty training stage and have absolutely no idea! But one thing I do believe is essential is to remain patient. I have no doubt this is key to success – our little ones are so sensitive to our words.

    I’m glad you seem to have finally cracked it! xx

    #KCACOLS

    Reply
  21. Pickinguptoys says

    28 February 2016 at

    We had to cut out drinks with my daughter as she was fine during the day but occasionally wet at night – still does if she has a drink before going to sleep.It’s difficult to know isn’t it,you think you have it cracked and then they’ll wet again out of the blue.I just change the bed and give her a cuddle as she gets upset and I wouldn’t want her to feel it was naughty or bad.I didn’t realise it was 7 or 8 though,makes me feel better knowing that xx #kcacols

    Reply
  22. Laura's Lovely Blog says

    28 February 2016 at

    My son (4) has been potty trained in the day for a year and a half and is still not dry at night, he uses pyjama pants too. Some nights he is dry but more often then not he isn’t. I’ve decided not to stress about it for the moment and hopefully it will come as he matures #kcacols

    Reply
  23. Lucy at occupation: (m)other says

    28 February 2016 at

    We’re just starting what I’m sure will be a long process of daytime potty training, I think being patient is key and being careful about language used in the process, I need to have a good think about it. I like that you were able to have the conversation with Bella about the PJ Pants, I think that must make a big difference to her.
    They are all different, which I find hard to remember when peers are doing it at different times, but we all get there and of course you can force physiology to an extent but at what mental cost to the child? So yes, your emphasis on patience is great, and I’m glad your doctor was reassuring #kcacols

    Reply
  24. jeremy@thirstydaddy says

    28 February 2016 at

    I don’t think there is anything that can be done until they make up their minds to do it. Ours has been trained for about a year and a 1/2 now, and still has the occassional nightime accident. It happens when she is really tired and just doesn’t feel like getting up I guess

    Reply
  25. mimiroseandme says

    28 February 2016 at

    We are about begin Amelia’s potty training journey as she is 21 months now and I think she is ready. But I think reading about other people and their journeys with toilet training will help prepare me . It seems as if you are now facing quite a challenge and I am sure in time it will become easier. Good Luck x #KCACOLS

    Reply
Newer Comments »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

HI THERE, I’M FRANCA!

Hi, I'm Franca, a lawyer mum of 2 gorgeous girls married to my best friend, living in London. Award nominated parenting & lifestyle blogger. Read More…

Christmas Offer

Pines and Needles Discount Offer

Family Days Out

  • The Best Light Trails In London 2022
  • The London Transport Museum During Christmas
  • Monopoly Lifesized Review

Collaborative Videos

Popular Videos





AWARDS

BritMums



BritMums

Tots100

Tutora Best Parent Insight Blog Award Shortlist

RANKING

Tots100
Top 20 UK Parent Blog 2020

Flea Network Top 20 UK Parent Blog 2018

MEMBER

LINKY

Keep Calm and Carry On Linking Sunday
Ad✨Folding Piano✨.We recently got the Foldin Ad✨Folding Piano✨.We recently got the Folding Controller 49 (FC49) piano thanks to @carryonpiano and we love it! It is great for the whole family. It is so easy to carry around and play anywhere!🎹 .Bella and Sienna love playing with this piano. They tend to take turns but it is Bella who actually spends more time trying new songs. SWIPE LEFT to see how compact the FC49 (photos of Bella folding it, storing it and putting it in her bag to take anywhere). Also check the video 🎥 of Bella playing at the end, so you can see how it sounds 😀.See below Key Features:🌟 Completely wireless MIDI Controller with internal battery🌟 49 Velocity Sensitive Keys🌟 Built in USB rechargeable LI-ION battery for 8 hours playing time🌟 Folds to the size of a 25 Key Controller🌟 Lightweight at 1KG🌟 Built In Arpeggiator🌟 Trackpad & Touch Sensitive Keys🌟 Pre-Mapped Transport Controls 🌟 Sustain Pedal Input🌟 MIDI Output over Bluetooth, USB or dedicated 3.5mm MIDI output.🌟 Works with 10S, Android, MAC and PCo🌟 Free Software Included. Record and produce with CUBASE/CUBASIS LE🌟 Get access to 40 keys lessons with Melodics to improve your skills.The FC49 is the perfect solution for entry-level students and musicians on the go as well as a great value creative musical tool for all abilities and ages. .Find out more through their website via the link in my profile! ☺️.Do you or your kids like playing piano?.#carryonpiano #playingpiano #foldingpiano #piano🎹 #digitalpiano #pianoplayer #pianomusic #kidsdeco #teensroom #desksetup #deskdecor #deskinspiration #deskgoals #productivespaces #minimalsetup
✨Breakfast✨.Nothing like a healthy filling b ✨Breakfast✨.Nothing like a healthy filling breakfast, right? I have been trying to keep eating a good breakfast every morning to help me with my low iron! .Most days I have branflakes and sometimes weetabix but Fridays to Sundays, I make a little effort and prepare overnight oats. I love them! They are so tasty and leave me satisfy for hours which means not craving for snacks until lunch time! Win win 😀.I prepare the oats with chia seeds, almond milk, vanilla extract, honey and leave it overnight. In the morning, I serve it with strawberries, blueberries, banana and honey. It is so good! 😋 I vary the fruit that I put in but everything else is the same..What do you like eating for breakfast?.#overnightoats #oatsforbreakfast #easybreakfast #simplebreakfast #togobreakfast #quickbreakfast #breakfastideas #healthybreakfastideas #breakfastinspo #breakfastbowl #breakfastgoals #breakfastlover #oatmealbowl #breakfastclub #oatmealbowl
✨Teacher’s Strike Day✨.Happy hump day! So ✨Teacher’s Strike Day✨.Happy hump day! So we have our first teacher’s strike day today which means no school and learning from home..Bella is doing her school work via Google classroom so she will follow her normal school day that way and Sienna doesn’t have a structured day from school today so she should have a day off but we have agreed for her to do some work too, so she will be reading, practicing for her spelling test and doing some maths. This way we can all have a productive day 😉, well hopefully! 😬. Have you been affected by the strike today? What are your plans? .#sistertime #sisterlylove #sistersgoals #sisterhood #hermanas #sistersforever #sistersforlife #sisterslove #siblingslove #lovemydaughters #raisingdaughters #mydaughters #westfield #westfieldlondon #londonkids
✨Happy Friday✨.Did you have a good week? Unf ✨Happy Friday✨.Did you have a good week? Unfortunately, it wasn’t that good for us because the girls have been under the weather. Bella started first with a sore throat and high fever for a few days and then when Bella got better, Sienna started! She got a horrible cough but no temperature. Her cough was that bad that she couldn’t sleep very well for a couple of nights. They are both much better now and back to school.. The weather hasn’t helped either. It has been so cold lately! I literally feel frozen all the time. Thankfully it is looking better atm as the temperatures are starting to rise. I decided to get my flu vaccine, so I hope it protects me from all these viruses that are going around! Have you had the flu vaccine too? .On another note, I went yesterday to a parents meeting about GCSE options for Bella. I can’t believe she needs to think about it already ahead of Year 9. The time really goes fast. Are your kids dealing with GCSEs too?.📸 Sharing this beautiful bouquet of flowers from @freddiesflowers to brighten up our day.#flowerarrangement #flowerdelivery #bouquetofflowers #flowersmakemehappy #loveflowers #flowersoftheday #flowersoftheweek #flowerlover #freshflowers #flowerobsession #bunchofflowers #foreverflowers #flowersofinstagram #homesweethome
Ad✨FUL London✨.I love going to the hairdress Ad✨FUL London✨.I love going to the hairdresser. It is one of my favourite things to do. There is nothing like the feeling you get when everything is done and your hair looks fantastic! I was so excited when @livetruelondon invited me again to visit one of their salons in London to try out a new treatment using their new hair care brand @ful_london Swipe left to see the final look ☺️.On the blog there is my review of this new hair treatment that has transformed my hair! Check the link in my bio ☺️.Do you invest in hair products? Do you like hair masks? .#livetruelondon #haircareproduct #haircareproducts #haircaretips #colouredhair #hairtreatment #blondehair #hairmask #balayagehair #over40 #over40blogger #overforty #overfortystyle #over40andfabulous #over40mom
✨Cadbury World✨.During the holidays we went ✨Cadbury World✨.During the holidays we went to @cadburyworlduk in Birmingham. The in-laws live close to the city so we decided to visit..I was surprised with the amount of activities they offer. I thought it was just a quick visit to the factory but how wrong I was. See below all the activities included with the price 👇🏻🍫 Aztec Jungle🍫 The Cadbury Story🍫 Journey to Europe🍫 4D Chocolate Adventure 🍫 Manufacturing 🍫 Gill Cocks Collection🍫 Making chocolate story🍫 Cadabra car ride🍫 Bull Street🍫 The Bournville Experience🍫 Chocolate Making🍫 Advertising Avenue🍫 Purple Planet🍫 Have a go discovering different chocolate making techniques and doodle your name with chocolate🍫 Cadbury World Chop with amazing prices🍫 Cadbury World Cafe🍫 African Adventure Play area (outside)🍫 Green Screen (you pay extra for photos)🍫 Character Meeting.You don’t have to do all the activities. You can go at your own pace and skip the activities you don’t fancy doing. Useful Information:📍 Cadbury World, 69 Linden Rd, Bournville, Birmingham B30 1JR💰 £18.95 Adults (16+), £13.95 Child (3-15), £59.85 Family of 4 (max 2 adults), Free for Under 3. 🍫 You get free chocolate! ⏰ THE MAIN ATTRACTION LASTS 1.5 - 2 HOURS. On average, visitors spend around 3-4 hours visiting Cadbury World. ℹ️ AGE RECOMMENDATION suitable for all ages.As you can see, there was plenty to do which entertained us for hours! The Cadabra car ride was cool! Watch the video until the end to see the activities we did ☺️.It was such a fun day out. We definitely recommend you to visit if you are in the area. And…..who doesn’t want some free chocolate, right? 🍫We sure did! 😂😋🙌🏻.Have you visited Cadbury World before?.#cadburyworldbirmingham #cadburyworld #cadbury #cadburydairymilk #cadburychocolate #chocolate #chocolatefactory #familydaysout #familydayout #familyfuntime #familyfunday #ukattractions #thingstodoinbirmingham #thingstodowithkids #familytime💕
Load More… Follow on Instagram
Copyright © 2023 · A Moment With Franca · Privacy Policy

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.

A Moment With Franca
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.