Mattress Protection Must-Haves When Potty Training

Every family goes through potty training ups and downs. Daytime potty training is messy enough, but nighttime potty training can be fraught with loads of extra laundry, and ruined mattresses and pillows.

Fortunately, there are many inexpensive ways to protect your mattress and keep your child comfortable and dry.

Here is a list of must-haves for families who are helping their child work on nighttime dryness.

A zippered vinyl mattress cover

This stays in place at all times and protects the mattress from wetness, allergens and stains. It is just wiped clean with a disinfectant spray. It is not absorbent and is not comfortable to sleep on directly. A heavy duty one can stay in place for many years. 

An absorbent waterproof mattress pad 

A fitted absorbent mattress pad makes sleeping more comfortable while trapping and absorbing large amounts of fluid. The breathable waterproof covers can be washed in the same load as the sheets.

Reusable waterproof overlay 

These waterproof pads lie on top of the sheet, making them easy to remove and replace, even in the middle of the night. The overlays with the tuck-in sides prevent them from moving when your child rolls from side to side. Choose from 4 sizes to cover the middle of the bed where the wetting would most likely occur. These are not easy to find in bedding stores and parents love them once they find out they are available. Pet owners also find these to be invaluable.

Pillow cover 

Using a breathable zippered cover that is waterproof protects your child's pillow from any allergens as well as any liquid, from a bloody nose, a drooling mouth or spilt juice. Simply remove the cover, then machine wash and dry to keep the pillow in perfect condition. The breathable covers are comfortable to sleep on and do not increase sweating. Many families use these on every pillow in their home. By protecting your mattress and pillows from the beginning, you increase the longevity of these items and will not find yourself continually replacing them.