Dream Pee and Nighttime Potty Training

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Dream Pee: A Comprehensive Guide to Nighttime Potty Training

Understanding Dream Pees and Nighttime Potty Training

A "dream pee" is similar to a "dream feed" where you take a child to the bathroom while they are still half asleep or groggy. It is an intentional act, not a bedtime "accident", at least how we are using the word. The idea is to help them relieve themselves without fully waking them up,. In fact, it may be so gentle that they may not even remember it in the morning! This can help prevent bedwetting and maintain their sleep, and yours!

What to Keep in Mind While Doing a Dream Pee

1. Timing

‍It involves taking the child to the bathroom at a specific time during the night, often after they have been asleep for about an hour. This timing can be adjusted based on the child's needs, and sleep patterns. Often parents choose to do them just before their own bedtime. If the child wakes up with a wet pullup, you might need to adjust the timing of the dream pee to earlier in the night. Sometimes a potty watch or a bedwetting device can be helpful, but ideally, a dream pee would be done before these additional devices were needed.

2. Process

‍The child is usually very groggy and may not even remember the event in the morning. The goal is to keep them as asleep as possible during the process.

3. Hand Washing

‍Depending on the child's ability, you may need to assist with hand washing. Having a step stool and faucet extenders can be helpful for nighttime grogginess. We recommend the Prince Lionheart Faucet extender. I highly recommend getting a step stool that has gripping on the bottom, so it doesn't slide around. It's so easy for a little one to step on at a strange angle when they are half asleep and you don't want it to slip out from under them. Here are my favorites: Baby Bjorn step stool, or a 2-step, step stool for higher counters, or littler legs.

4. Adjustments

Your child may need a little extra support for their feet, so I'd recommend a step stool (with rubber feet) that fits the curve around the toilet, a step ladder for the toilet, or even a squatty potty, with the child extender.

6. Safety

‍Ensure the child can get to and from the bathroom safely, especially if they are very sleepy. I love glow-in-the-dark anything. Check-out this "Ways to Make Night Potty Training Easy and Fun" blog with some ideas of products we recommend to help with nighttime

Dream pees can be a useful strategy for managing nighttime bedwetting without fully waking the child. But, how do you "do" them?

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How to "Do a Dream Pee"

The Dream Pee Technique: A Gentle Approach

For older toddlers and young children, the "dream pee" technique can be a helpful strategy. Here's how to implement it:

1. Timing is Key: Choose a time when your child is in a deep sleep but not too deep. You don't want to wake them from a super deep sleep as you may scare them awake. Can you imagine waking up to a giant hovering over your bed? If they're partly awake, you want them to be able to recognize you. If they know it's you, they're more likely to relax. This is turn with help with their ability to eliminate once on the toilet.
2. Gentle Awakening: Gently wake your child and take them to the bathroom. Avoid harsh lights and sudden movements. Again, you don't want to scare them. You don't want to be a scary monster that steals them from the bed. Instead, be a loving parent who is gently taking them (pick-up, or walking them half-awake, to the bathroom. You can decide which to do based on their age, their level of sleepiness when you, "wake" them, or just plain 'ole the status of your back and how strong it is.
3. Calm and Quiet: Create a peaceful atmosphere to minimize disruption to their sleep. Dear heavens don't be loud. The more awake they are the less "dream pee" it is and the more likely they are to get into a night waking habit, which no one wants. Dream pees can phase out over time, a new sleep pattern is much harder to break.
4. Positive Reinforcement: Praise your child for using the toilet, even if it's a small amount.

Dream Pee for Boys

For boys, it is recommended to have them sit on the toilet facing the tank to help them aim better while they are still sleepy. This can help ensure the pee goes into the toilet. Even if they regularly stand up or use a urinal, this will keep them most asleep. Plan to support their back so they don't fall off while half-asleep.

Dream Pee for Girls

Girls, pop them on the toilet how they normally would urinate. If they normally face forward, face them forward. If they normally face backwards, face them backwards. Don't reinvent the wheel on this one. The only additional thing to consider is supporting them, physically. If they are facing in the typical direction (away from the tank), you'll want to support their head and shoulders so that they don't fall off top heavy from the weight of their head drifting off over their dangling feet.

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Will My Child Still Sleep Through the Night?

Often when parents say their children "sleep through the night" they mean various things. Two people are talking and one means a baby who slept for 5 hours continuously and the parent of a toddler may mean a child who didn't wake up to use the bathroom during the night and peed in a Pull-Up. But, then what about the toddler who successfully took him/herself to the bathroom during the night and returned to sleep the rest of the night? These can all be considered "sleeping through the night."

The main point is that you don't want to wake your child up so very much that they can't get back to bed.

Are Dream Pees the Same as Nighttime Accidents? No.

Nighttime wetting, often referred to as nocturnal enuresis or "dream pees," can be a frustrating experience for both parents and children. When we talk about "dream pees" we mean intentionally taking your child to the bathroom, not the accidents that they may have while seeping (even though doctors often use the terms interchangeably).

Why Do Nighttime "Accidents" Happen?

While nighttime accidents are common, it can disrupt sleep patterns, cause anxiety, and impact family dynamics. Let's delve into the reasons behind this nighttime pee "messes" and explore effective strategies to help your child achieve dry nights.

Several factors can contribute to nighttime wetting:

• Immature Bladder: A child's bladder may not be fully developed, leading to insufficient bladder capacity.
• Deep Sleep: Deep sleepers may not wake up to the urge to urinate.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal fluctuations can affect bladder control.
• Medical Conditions: Underlying medical conditions like diabetes or urinary tract infections can contribute to nighttime wetting.
• Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress can disrupt sleep patterns and bladder function.
• Medication Side Effects: Certain medications can affect bladder control.

How to Prevent Nighttime Accidents:

1. Limit Fluid Intake Before Bed: Reducing fluid intake a few hours before bedtime can significantly reduce the chances of nighttime accidents. This simple strategy can make a big difference...or do the opposite. Give them a lot of fluid before bed and have them empty their bladders before getting into bed.

2. Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine: A regular bedtime routine helps regulate sleep patterns and can signal to your child's body that it's time to wind down. This can help reduce nighttime awakenings and accidents.‍

3. Encourage Regular Bathroom Breaks: Before bed, ensure your child empties their bladder completely. This can help prevent nighttime accidents.

4. Consider a Bedwetting Alarm: These devices can be effective in training the body to wake up at the first sign of bladder fullness. However, it's important to use them consistently and patiently.

5. Consult a Professional: If nighttime wetting persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult a potty training specialist, or if things escalate or you have immediate medical concerns, consult a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Other tips to prevents accidents over night:

1. Positive Reinforcement: Reward your child for dry nights to boost their confidence. This can be anything from stickers to raisins to read-aloud book time.
2. Limit Caffeine and Sugary Drinks: These can irritate the bladder and disrupt sleep.
3. Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation to reduce stress and anxiety.

Conclusion:

• Be Patient and Supportive: Avoid scolding or punishing your child for accidents.
• Maintain a Positive Attitude: A positive approach can help reduce stress and anxiety.
• Involve Your Child: Explain the problem and involve them in the solution.
• Use Waterproof Mattress Protectors: These can protect your mattress from accidents.
• Consider Professional Help: If the problem persists, consult a potty training consultant.

Try out some of the strategies above and you can help your child overcome nighttime wetting and achieve a more restful night's sleep. Remember, every child develops at their own pace. With patience, understanding, and the right approach, you can guide your child towards nighttime dryness. If these things sound like too many options and too much info, talk to a human by booking a potty training consultation here.

Remember, a little patience and a lot of love can go a long way in helping your child achieve dry nights, and dream pees are the number one way to help that process along in a gentle way.

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