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Three Year Olds Stay Dry During the Day, But May Wet the Bed at Night

Last Updated: September 14, 2009

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Parenting Tips for Your 35-36 Month Old Toddler

Most 3-year-olds are dry during the day, but they usually continue to wet at night until they have passed their third birthday. Your little one doesn’t want to wet his bed. He is simply not yet able to hold his urine, wake up, and get to the toilet at night.

Don’t scold or punish him for bed-wetting. That could make him nervous and upset and then it would be even harder for him to stay dry at night. If you are concerned about bed-wetting, put your child in training pants covered by waterproof pants. Use a plastic sheet on the bed and leave the light on so he can find the bathroom.

Be sure he goes to the toilet before going to bed. Meanwhile, try to be relaxed and understanding about his nighttime wetting. Praise his successes and calmly accept his failures. In the long run, this will be the best way to help him become dry at night.


Learn more about Your Toddler: 35-36 Months from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.


Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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