Nighttime Potty Training for Boys
Bed-wetting, also known as enuresis, is a common childhood problem. According to FamilyDoctor.org, bed-wetting during sleep is more common among boys than girls. Even if a young boy is fully potty trained during the day, he may suffer from nighttime bed-wetting for some time. Although this behavior may be upsetting for the child and frustrating for the parent, it is not a permanent condition. By following some simple techniques, most boys will potty train at night rather easily.
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Time Frame
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Individual readiness is an important factor to consider in the nighttime potty training process. Although some boys may be ready to potty train at night by age 3, others may not be ready until age 6. You can test your child's readiness by checking his diaper or training pants after his daytime nap. If your son can stay dry during nap time, he is most likely ready to attempt nighttime potty training.
Planning
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When you decide that your son is capable of attempting to nighttime potty train, come up with a plan together. Knowing what to expect will make the process easier for both the parent and the child. Tell your son what you want him to do, and follow through with your plan. Children learn by following set boundaries. Lay out what you expect him to do, and make sure he understands his part.
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Training Techniques
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There are many nighttime training techniques available. Try limiting liquid consumption several hours before bedtime. Have your son use the potty before you begin his bedtime routine and again right before he gets into bed. Wake him up in the middle of the night to empty his bladder. Wake him up several times during the night to use the bathroom if he is a heavy sleeper and continues to wet the bed. Try to cut back on the number of trips to the bathroom over time. Work towards eliminating nighttime bathroom breaks altogether.
Testing Phase
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Test your plan when you feel your son is ready. Go diaper-less for a week and see what happens. If he is able to stay dry at least 3 out of 5 nights, have him stay in underwear at night. If he wets the bed every night, or nearly every night, assume that he is not ready to nighttime potty train. Return to diapers for a few weeks before trying to nighttime potty train again. If he remains in underwear, make note of when he usually wets the bed and set an alarm to wake him up right before that time.
Rewards for Success
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Nighttime potty training is difficult. Rewards are a great way to encourage your son to continue staying dry at night. Do a special dance with him in the morning on days when he wakes up dry. Encourage him to give his leftover diapers to a family with younger children. Celebrate his achievement together, but do not punish him for failing. Nighttime potty training is difficult and should be a positive experience.
Physical Problems
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If your son continues to have nighttime accidents after he reaches age 7, consult your doctor for answers. According to Mayo Clinic, bed-wetting can have many medical causes. Sleep apnea, chronic constipation, diabetes and urinary tract infections can all cause bed-wetting in children. Stress from new events, such as welcoming a new baby into the family, going to a new school or moving to a new home can also cause bouts of bed-wetting. A small, underdeveloped bladder could be the cause, or the nerves in the bladder may not have matured yet, causing the child to be unaware of a full bladder during sleep. Whatever the cause, your doctor can give you an accurate diagnosis and drug treatment plan, if necessary.
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