When it comes to helping your toddler stay dry overnight, every little one is different—and that’s completely normal. Some children breeze through night-time training as early as three years old, and most are fully dry at night by five or six. However, some children are as old as 10 before their bodies are ready to be dry at night. There’s no rush. It’s all about waiting until the time is right for your child.
I never recommend attempting night toilet training until your toddler has been confidently sleeping in a big bed for at least six months. For most girls, this will be from around three years of age, and for boys, closer to three and a half. And even then, it’s important to be led by your toddler’s readiness—not a set age or expectation.
Night training safely also means your child must be old enough to get up and go to the toilet by themselves during the night without needing your help or supervision. This is why I strongly discourage any attempts at night-time dryness under the age of three. Toddlers younger than three simply don’t have the bladder control or the independence needed to get through the night safely—and you definitely don’t want a mischievous toddler getting distracted by toys at 2 am!
When you do decide it’s time to give night training a try, a Dreamwee Waterproof Bed-Linen Protector becomes your best friend. It’s absorbent, breathable, and most importantly, safe—unlike many waterproof options on the market.
You see, many commercially available waterproof mattress protectors are actually not safe for young children. Why? Because they are not breathable. Anything airproof can trap heat and moisture, increasing the risk of rebreathing accidents such as SUDI (Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy). Babies and young children regulate their body temperature primarily through their faces. If they overheat because of an unsafe protector and roll onto their tummy, the risk of serious harm increases.
The Dreamwee is different. Designed with air safety and comfort in mind, it offers protection against accidents without the overheating risks caused by typical plastic-backed mattress protectors. It’s also quick and easy to swap out in the middle of the night—a lifesaver during those early, messy weeks of night training!
If your child is ready to give night-time dryness a go, you’ll need at least three Dreamwee protectors to get started—one on the bed, one in the wash, and one ready as a spare.
Here’s what I recommend:
When taking your child for a dreamwee, softly say in their ear:
“It’s okay, Mummy’s just helping you go to the toilet.”
Let them wee while still half asleep and return them quietly to bed.
If your child wakes up dry in the morning after a few nights, you can continue with night training. If not, it’s best to wait another eight weeks before trying again—no stress, no pressure.
It’s vital to only use dreamwees for a short period—ideally a few weeks. If you keep doing them for months, you can accidentally train your child’s bladder to expect to empty at that time, which can cause long-term challenges with night-time dryness.
Here’s a simple plan:
If your child is 8 years or older and still struggling with night-time dryness despite being ready in every other way, you might like to consider some extra support. One option I’m very happy to recommend is the TheraPee Bedwetting Solution by Dr. Sagie. I’ve seen it help many families move past persistent bedwetting when other methods haven’t quite worked. TheraPee combines a high-quality bedwetting alarm, the STOPEE, with an interactive online program that provides personalised guidance tailored to your child’s needs. It’s safe, gentle, and designed to empower children without making them feel like they’ve failed. For children who are developmentally ready but just need a little extra help connecting the sensation of a full bladder with waking up, TheraPee can be a real game-changer.
Remember, night-time success isn’t just about avoiding accidents—it’s about keeping your child safe and comfortable all night long. Choosing breathable bedding like the Dreamwee Bed-Linen Protector gives you peace of mind that you’re supporting both their health and their independence.
There’s no need to rush night-time training. It’s a developmental milestone that will happen when your child’s body is ready—just like crawling, walking, and talking. With patience, the right support, and a Dreamwee or two, you’ll both get there in your own time.
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