Daytime Potty Training vs. Nighttime Potty Training: What You Need to Know

Daytime and nighttime potty training are two separate stages of development, and it's completely normal for children to achieve them at different times. Most little ones learn to stay dry during the day before they consistently stay dry at night. Daytime potty training is often easier to manage because your child is awake, more aware of their body, and can respond more quickly to the urge to go. It’s about building habits, creating a routine, and helping them recognise when they need the toilet.

Nighttime dryness, however, is more dependent on physical development. During sleep, your child’s brain needs to recognise a full bladder and either signal them to hold it or wake them up in time to use the toilet. This is something that develops naturally and can’t be rushed.

Bowel control typically develops earlier than bladder control, which is why many children stop having bowel movements during the night quite early on. But full bladder control at night can take longer, especially for deep sleepers. Genetics may also influence how quickly this ability develops, so it’s important to be patient and avoid comparing your child’s progress to others. While many children are dry during the day by age three, it’s still very common for bedwetting to continue for some children until the age of five or older. Every child’s journey is unique, and progress will come with time and support.

Before beginning nighttime potty training, it’s helpful to make sure your child is confident and consistent with daytime potty habits. Starting nighttime training too early can sometimes lead to frustration and setbacks, so waiting until your child shows signs of readiness can make the process smoother for everyone.

One of the most common signs is waking up with a dry or mostly dry nappy for two or three mornings in a row. This may indicate that your child is beginning to stay dry through the night, which is a good sign their body is developing the control needed for nighttime training.

Other signs your child may be ready include:

• Your child asks not to wear nappies or training pants to bed
• They regularly remove their nappy or training pants during the night
• They wake up and ask to use the toilet, or they go on their own without prompting

Even with these signs, it’s completely normal for nighttime potty training to take longer than daytime training. For some children, it can take months or even years to reliably stay dry at night. Potty training is a major developmental milestone, and every child approaches it in their own time. If your little one isn’t quite there yet, it’s okay to pause and try again in a few weeks.

Potty training can be a tricky stage to navigate, and nighttime training often requires extra patience. To help you along the way, we’ve put together our top tips to support your child through the process.

1. Protect the mattress
Nighttime potty training can be messy, so it’s a good idea to invest in a waterproof sheet. This helps protect your child’s mattress and makes cleaning up after any accidents much easier.

2. Don’t rush the process
Because nighttime dryness depends heavily on physical development, it’s important to wait until your child is ready. Trying to train too early can actually delay progress and lead to unnecessary frustration.

3. Keep spares nearby
Accidents can happen, especially early on. Having a spare set of pyjamas and clean bedsheets ready to go will make nighttime changes quicker and less disruptive for everyone.

4. Keep a potty close
Placing a potty near your child’s bed gives them easy access if they wake up needing to go. This can be especially helpful if they’re still a bit groggy or unsure about making it to the bathroom.

5. Use the potty as part of the bedtime routine
Encourage your child to use the potty right before bed. Making this part of their regular routine helps reinforce the habit and gives them one last chance to go before sleep.

6. Offer praise and encouragement
Just as with daytime potty training, positive reinforcement goes a long way. Celebrate small wins and remind your child that you’re proud of their efforts.

7. Stay calm during setbacks
If your child has an accident, try to remain calm and reassuring. Avoid embarrassment or blame — it’s all part of the learning process, and your support will help build their confidence.