There are so many different things to think about as you’re potty training your toddler!
And while deciding which character they want on their big kid underwear might be an important decision to your kid, figuring out how to protect their bed is probably on the top of your to-do list.
Luckily, you have a few options when it comes to bed protectors for toddlers.
From full-mattress covers to disposable pads, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about keeping your kid’s bed dry while potty training.
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How Do I Protect the Bed When Potty Training?
Potty training can often be a messy process. So making sure your toddler’s bed is protected is essential.
Even if you’re planning on using nighttime underwear or training pants while they sleep, it’s a good idea to have some added protection in place to keep from damaging your child’s mattress.
When it comes to protecting your child’s bed while potty training, you have two basic options:
- Mattress covers. One of the best ways to ensure your child’s mattress is protected is with a full mattress cover. These waterproof covers fit over the entire mattress similar to a fitted sheet. The mattress cover typically features a waterproof layer that holds in wetness to prevent it from seeping into the mattress. To use this protection method, place the mattress cover over the top of the mattress, then put the sheets and other bedding over the top of the cover. If your child has an accident, the bedding and mattress cover will need to be removed and washed.
- Mattress pads. Another simple way to protect your child’s mattress is with a mattress pad. Unlike a cover, a mattress pad simply rests on top of the mattress to protect it from moisture if an accident occurs. Mattress pads can be placed on top of sheets, allowing for easier cleanup after an accident. If your child wets the mattress pad, simply remove the pad, replace it with another pad, and wash the wet pad in the washing machine.
During the potty training process, you can choose one or both methods of protection depending on how frequently your child has accidents.
While a mattress cover may suffice for occasional accidents, it may be a good idea to use both bed protection options at the beginning of potty training or if your child frequently wets the bed.
RELATED: 5 MISTAKES YOU’RE MAKING THAT ARE SABOTAGING YOUR CHILD’S POTTY TRAINING
Bed Protectors for Toddlers
With the help of these bed protectors for toddlers, you’ll be able to provide plenty of bed wetting protection while your child potty trains.
Whether you’re looking for full coverage or easy cleanup, you’re sure to find what you need on this list.
Washable Bed Protector
Featuring four absorbent layers, a washable bed protector is a great option for occasional nighttime accidents.
You can place the bed pad under your child as they sleep to protect the mattress and bedding from getting wet.
And if they have an accident, all you have to do is remove the bed protector from the bed and replace it for quick and easy accident cleanup.
Since the pads are machine washable, just toss the wet pad in the washer and use it up to 300 times.
RELATED: HERE’S WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR TODDLER HAS AN ACCIDENT
Disposable Bed Protectors
Another simple way to protect your child’s bed as they sleep is with disposable bed protectors.
These bed mats are designed to fit on a toddler-sized bed and feature adhesive strips on the back to hold it in place as your child sleeps.
Just place the mat under your child to protect the mattress in case of an accident.
If they wet the bed, all you have to do is remove the pad, toss it in the trash, and replace it with a new one.
Disposable Bed Mats
For easy cleanup after an accident, you can’t go wrong with disposable bed mats.
These bed mats feature the same super absorbent technology found in Goodnights underwear, so you can be sure your child’s bed will stay dry no matter how big the accident is.
These bed mats are made with a soft, quiet material to ensure your child sleeps comfortably and soundly on top.
And the adhesive strips on the back will keep the bed mat in place, no matter how much your child moves throughout the night.
Waterproof Mattress Cover
While bed mats are a great option for quick and easy clean-up, having a little extra protection on your child’s bed never hurts.
With the help of a waterproof mattress cover, you can protect the mattress on your kid’s bed in case of an accident.
This soft mattress cover features a microfiber filling to ensure they sleep in comfort. But the waterproof membrane will protect the mattress as your child sleeps.
RELATED: NIGHTTIME POTTY TRAINING THE RIGHT WAY
Mattress Encasement
If your child has occasional accidents, a traditional mattress cover is probably enough coverage to protect their bed.
But frequent accidents may require you to add a little more protection to your kid’s mattress.
With the help of a mattress encasement, you can cover the entire mattress in a protective shell to keep moisture and odor from penetrating.
The encasement features waterproof lining on all sides to keep moisture from seeping into the mattress after an accident.
Because this cover extends around the entire mattress, top and bottom, it is one of the best bed protectors for toddlers who are potty training, but still wetting the bed at night.
Waterproof Bed Pad
Smaller bed pads are great for kids still sleeping in toddler beds, but what if your child has a big kid bed?
A larger waterproof bed pad is a great option!
Since this bed pad features a quick drying, skin-friendly fabric on top, your kid will stay comfortable as they sleep.
Thanks to the quick absorbing polyester lining underneath, any accident will be soaked up quickly.
And with the waterproof layer at the bottom, you can be sure your child’s bed will be protected so you can quickly clean up the accident and get them back to sleep.
Plastic Mattress Cover
Making sure your child is comfortable as they sleep is important, but sometimes cloth mattress covers don’t provide enough protection from frequent accidents.
If that’s the case in your house, it might be a better idea to use a plastic mattress cover to keep accidents from soaking into the mattress. Since the mattress cover is made of PVC plastic, it will protect the mattress from any liquid on the bed.
But since it’s designed to fit perfectly on cribs and toddler beds, your child won’t even notice it’s there.
Slip Resistant Pad
Since this slip resistant mattress pad can hold up to eight cups of liquid, you can be sure your child’s bed will be protected after a nighttime accident.
And with a Gorilla Grip nonslip backing, the pad will stay in place on top of your child’s bed, no matter how much they move around while they’re sleeping.
To use the pad, simply place it on top of your child’s bed. If they have an accident, remove the pad and toss it in the washer for quick and easy cleanup.
Organic Mattress Protector
Made with hypoallergenic organic cotton, this organic mattress protector is a safe option for protecting your toddler’s bed from nighttime accidents.
The inner polyester fill layer increases absorbency, ensuring the mattress stays dry.
But the soft knit back and top ensure your child stays comfortable while they sleep.
And since this soft mattress pad is made with fluffy cotton and features quilting on top, it’s noiseless and breathable.
RELATED: HOW TO POTTY TRAIN DURING NAP TIME
Organic Mattress Cover
Protect your toddler’s mattress from accidents without sacrificing their health with the help of an organic mattress cover.
The fitted style of this mattress cover fits snuggly around a toddler mattress without bunching or slipping.
And since it features a waterproof PVC-free backing, you can protect your child’s mattress without the use of chemicals.
The top is made from organic bamboo terry that’s soft to the touch and features quilting for added comfort.
Washable Bed Pad
There’s no need to sacrifice style to protect your child’s bed from potty training accidents when you have a cute washable bed pad.
With three fun styles to choose from, you’re sure to find a cute design to fit your child’s room.
And since each bed pad is made with soft organic cotton and bamboo, you can be sure it’s both comfortable and safe for your child.
The breathable waterproof TPU inner lining will protect your child’s bed as they sleep with the ability to hold up to eight cups of liquid.
Large Bed Pad
Make sure your child’s bed is fully covered with the help of a large bed pad.
These full-sized pads are perfect for kids sleeping in both toddler beds or big kid beds.
Simply place the pad on the bed before they get in to provide extra coverage and protection in case of an accident.
If the pad gets wet, you can easily remove it from the bed and toss it right in the washing machine.
And since the soft cotton top on this pad get softer after each wash, your child will sleep in comfort every time you use it.
RELATED: HOW TO GET THE WHOLE FAMILY INVOLVED FOR POTTY TRAINING SUCCESS
Choosing a Quality Bed Protector for Potty Training
When selecting bed protectors for toddlers, it is important to choose one that is high quality.
Personally, I’ve used cheap mattress pads with my daughter, and the middle-of-the-night accidents turned into more than I bargained for when I realized she’d soaked through the bed protector.
Do yourself a favor and spend a few more bucks to get the kind of quality that will make your little more comfortable and give you less work.
Here are things to think about when choosing a bed and mattress protector:
- Is it completely leak-proof?
- Is it breathable?
- Do you want it to cover the entire mattress or only the spot your child sleeps in?
- Is it washable or disposable?
- How long will it last before you’ll have to buy a new one?
These are all things to consider so that you can be sure you’re choosing a quality bed protector and one that will fit your needs the best.
Do you have a stubborn toddler? Check out How to Potty Train a Stubborn Child next.