Nappies at Nap Time: When to Stop and What to Do Instead

For many parents, daytime potty training feels like a big win, until naps and night time roll around. You’ve celebrated dry days, but every time nap time arrives, you’re back in nappies. It can leave you wondering: When should I stop using nappies at nap time? And how do I even begin?

The truth is, nap time dryness comes once your child’s bladder is ready to hold for longer stretches of sleep. And while you can’t teach this maturity, you can absolutely set your child up for success.

How to know when to stop nappies at nap time

• Consistently dry nappies after naps – If your child often wakes up dry the majority of the time, it’s a strong sign their body can manage without a nappy.

• Daytime potty confidence – If they’re using the potty reliably while awake, they’re much more likely to stay dry while asleep.

• Bladder awareness – Children who are starting to pause play and use the toilet are showing real readiness.

What to do instead of nappies

1. Switch to training pants or no nappy at all
   Training pants are less absorbent than nappies, so your child will feel wet, but still offer some protection. Going nappy free at naps at home can also help children connect sleep with dryness.

2. Prepare the bed
   Layer the mattress with a waterproof cover and fitted sheet, then repeat the layers. That way, if an accident happens, you can quickly strip one layer and settle them back down.

3. Limit drinks right before sleep
   Encourage your toddler to have a wee before nap time, and try to avoid big drinks in the 30 minutes leading up to sleep.

4. Stay calm about accidents
   Expect a few accidents in the early days. Reacting calmly (and not making it a big deal) helps your toddler build confidence.

Final takeaway

There’s no “perfect” age when every child stops nappies at nap time, some children will begin being dry during nap time fairly shortly after being dry during the day, others may take several months and some may finish napping without ever removing their nappies. All of these scenarios are completely normal, so do not worry if your toddler is still waking for their nap with a full nappy. 

If you’ve not yet started your potty training journey and want to set them up for nap and daytime success, grab my free guide: 5 Things To Do Before Starting Potty Training. It will give you simple, practical steps to get your toddler prepared, so when you do make the move, you’ll both feel confident.