As tough as potty training can be, nearly everyone eventually masters it. But that's easy to forget when you're a parent in the messy (sometimes, very messy) middle of it. Keep reading for research-backed answers to the tough questions many potty training guides leave out.

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How should I approach potty training at night?

After mastering daytime potty training, most little ones wear pull-up style diapers overnight for several months or even years. This is because staying dry overnight depends on the development and synthesis of a hormone called vasopressin, or ADH (antidiuretic hormone). This hormone causes kidneys to produce smaller amounts of urine at night.

Most children master nighttime potty training between age 5 and 6. However, some take longer to produce enough vasopressin to stay dry overnight, which can result in bedwetting.

To support your child's nighttime potty training, have them visit the potty at the start of their bedtime routine and then once more before going to sleep. Put them in a pull-up style diaper, until they're able to consistently wake up dry.

Help! I've tried rewards, but my toddler still doesn't want to use the potty.

If your child is resisting the potty, they might not be developmentally ready. Potty training takes a number of skills. Even if you child has the motor ability to sit on and stand up from the potty, they might not have mastered interoception, the ability to detect and interpret their body's signals.

There could be other issues at play, too. Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) can significantly complicate potty training. Think of all the ways the senses experience this transition. Associated smells and sensations can be unpleasant. A potty seat might feel hard and cold on bare skin. Toilet paper can feel dry and scratchy. Your child may be nervous about falling in the potty or frightened by toilet flushing.

Talk to your pediatrician, if you have concerns about your child's toilet readiness.

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Should I teach my son to pee sitting or standing up?

When first potty training, it's easier for boys to sit down for #1 and #2. Standing and aiming into the toilet require more coordination. Boys can struggle to understand the need to sit for one elimination function and stand for another.

Most boys transition to standing up between age 3 and 4. The best way to introduce standing is for them to see how a trusted male caregiver does it. Prepare for learning curves and additional clean-up at first! This is a great time to teach basic bathroom etiquette.

When should kids be able to wipe themselves?

Think of potty training and wiping as two separate skills. Many little ones who have the body awareness and physical coordination to use the potty lack the dexterity or reach to thoroughly wipe themselves. Little ones may also wipe in the wrong direction, back to front, increasingly the risk of UTIs and irritation, especially in girls.

Most kids master wiping independently around the time they start kindergarten, between age 5 and 6. Until then, they'll need to practice with assistance from a trusted caregiver.

Should I teach my child to wipe sitting or standing up?

Choose your own potty training adventure! That is, do what works best for you and your little one. The most important thing is to wipe from front to back and assist your child until they have the dexterity and reach to wipe thoroughly on their own (usually between age 5 and 6).

My little one has sensory issues. What should I look for in a pull-up style diaper?

Sensory issues can disrupt how your child processes body signals and lead to great discomfort during potty training. Look for a sensory-friendly training pants option like Our Pull-Up Style Diaper, which is:

• Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic to avoid skin irritation
  
• Made of soft, breathable materials to prevent friction, chafing, and rustling noises that can trigger auditory sensitivities
• Free of scratchy tags or seams that can be constricting and irritating

When should I be concerned about potty training regression?

Potty training regression is a normal, temporary setback when a potty trained child suddenly has accidents again or refuses to use the potty. Regression can occur during stressful life changes, like a new sibling or move. Health issues, like constipation, UTIs, or a stomach big, can also be a cause.

Be calm and patient with your child to help them feel more secure. Ask them what their body is feeling, if you suspect there's a health issue, and talk to your pediatrician about next steps. Reinforce the potty routine without pressure. The regression will likely resolve itself within a few days or a couple of weeks.

If you child is still experiencing potty training regression after a month, this could be a sign of an unresolved health issue or an indicator that your child didn't fully absorb potty training last time and might need a refresh.

My daughter's potty trained, but now I’m worried she's “holding it” too much.

Children's bladder capacity increases as they get older, so the ability to "hold it" is developmentally appropriate. But your child should still be going #1 multiple times per day:

Age 1-2: 10-12 times a day
Age 2-3: 4-8 times a day
Age 3-5: 6-9 times a day

"Holding it" consistently can lead to UTIs and weaken bladder muscles, making it harder to fully void urine. "Holding" #2 increases constipation and makes stools more difficult to pass, because the waste loses water and hardens.

The best thing you can do to prevent these issues is to make sure your child's diet includes adequate water and fiber and to foster diligent bathroom use. Build regular bathroom breaks into routines.

If there's a chance your child might be avoiding the bathroom for other reasons, like discomfort using the toilet, think about how you can make this experience more comfortable. It could mean getting a toilet step stool for more accessibility, running water while they go if they're shy, or providing wet wipes for easier post-bathroom clean-up.