Weaning Off Diapers at Night: Eight Valuable Tips

Photo by Dakota Corbin on Unsplash

Hardly any other subject accompanies parents as much as helping their children become dry at night. Usually, children are dry during the day long before they can give up their night diaper. Until around the age of three, a child's body produces the same amount of urine at night as during the day. Nighttime is a long period to hold it in. Additionally, many children are still thirsty at night. When a child can hold it in at night and what support they may need is different for every child.

When do children become dry at night? Generally, children begin to show the first signs that they want to stop using the night diaper around their third birthday. However, since every child develops at their own pace, it's impossible to generalize here. You can relax and give your child time until their fifth birthday.

In this article, you'll learn how you can support your child in becoming dry and how to make this phase as stress-free as possible. We explain when a child should be able to sleep without a diaper at night, and which factors are crucial for becoming dry.

When is the right time to stop using a diaper at night?

First, it's important to know that it's normal for your child to still need to become dry at night, even if they've been out of diapers during the day for some time. Every child has their own pace. So don't let comparisons between children unsettle you; instead, give your child the time they need. While some children are dry during the day and night by age three, others may wet the bed at age six or even later. What sounds worrying at first is usually not a problem. It's important that your child does not suffer as a result or is teased and that you as parents remain calm .

Children usually show the first signs around their third birthday that they no longer need a diaper at night. If the diaper is regularly dry in the morning, this can be a sign that you can start leaving it off. Ideally, the impulse should come from your child and they indicate they want to stop wearing a diaper at night. That way you do not override your child’s wishes, give them the opportunity for self-determination and usually hit just the right time.

When should I seek help?

Only from the age of five years should this be discussed with your pediatrician to rule out physical causes. However, neither worry nor guilt is necessary. Experts estimate that about 640,000 children between five and ten years old still wet the bed at night.

It may be that the complex system of bladder control is not yet sufficiently matured or your child has inherited the tendency to wet the bed. Talk to your pediatrician if necessary. Show your child that you support them and give them the time they need.

Wetness feedback – the most important signal for getting dry

The basic prerequisite for nighttime dryness is that your child notices when they need to go and what it feels like to become wet. Only in this way can they gradually learn to hold it in and give a signal.

In this article, you'll learn how you can support your child in becoming dry and how you can make this phase as relaxed as possible. We’ll clarify when your child should be able to sleep without a diaper at night, and which factors are crucial for becoming dry.

When is the right time to do away with the diaper at night?

First of all, it's important to know that it is normal for your child to not be dry at night yet, even if they've been out of diapers during the day for some time. Every child has their own pace. So don’t be unsettled by comparisons with other children, but give your child the time they need. While some children are dry by day and night already at age three, others may wet the bed at six or more. What might sound alarming at first is usually not a problem. It is only important that your child does not suffer from it or is teased and that you as parents remain calm .

In general, children begin to show first signs around their third birthday that they do not need a diaper at night anymore. If the diaper is usually dry in the morning, this can be a sign that you can start leaving off the diaper. Ideally, the impulse comes from your child and they say that they want to leave off the diaper at night. That way, you are not going over your child’s wishes, give them the opportunity for self-determination , and usually catch just the right moment.

In general, children show the first signs around their third birthday that they no longer need a diaper at night. If the diaper is regularly dry in the morning, this can be a sign that you can start leaving off the diaper. Ideally, the impulse comes from your child and they express that they want to leave off the diaper at night. This way, you don’t override your child, you give them the opportunity for self-determination , and you will usually find just the right time.

When should I seek help?

Only starting at the age of five years should you discuss the subject with your pediatrician to rule out physical causes. However, you should neither worry nor feel guilty about it.

It’s possible that your child's bladder control system hasn’t fully matured yet or that your child has inherited a tendency to wet the bed. Speak to your pediatrician if needed. Let your child know you’re supportive and will give them all the time they need.

Wetness feedback – the most important signal for becoming dry

A basic prerequisite for getting dry at night is that your child notices when they need to go and what it feels like to be wet. Only then can they learn over time to hold it in and signal when they have to go. Disposable diapers make this process harder, as the important wetness feedback is missing. Cloth diapers, on the other hand, are ideal for becoming dry because your child immediately feels what it’s like to become wet. This helps them connect the feeling with the event.

We at Judes have developed cloth diapers that are as easy to use as disposables. They consist of an absorbent inner diaper and a breathable, waterproof cover. Our inner diaper made of organic cotton is gentle on your child’s skin, stays dry for up to 12 hours and gives your child optimal wetness feedback.

Photo by @isabelplett

Becoming dry at night: Eight tips to support your child

Getting dry at night is a big milestone in your child's life. We'll show you how you can optimally support your child on this journey. 

1. Go to bed with an empty bladder