Even if your child uses the potty without fail during the day, she may still wet the bed. She may not awaken, or, if she does, may not feel like getting up. Carrying her to the potty at night is yet another form of pressure, according to Brazelton. Instead, when she stays dry four to six hours at a stretch during the day, try putting her to bed without a diaper to see if she is ready. If she's not, peer pressure may eventually work its wonders. When friends brag that they sleep in big-girl underwear, your child may be more motivated to try.

Many children cannot awaken until they mature sufficiently, and punishing a child for this problem is abusive. If a child does wake up when his bladder is full, placing the potty near the bed can motivate him to use it. You might offer to awaken him so he can use the potty before you go to bed. However, if you cannot wake him up, do not carry him there. Even if he uses it, he cannot claim the success as his own, Brazelton believes. Instead of pressuring him, suggest he wear a diaper until he is ready to use the potty at night.