Wet Dreams

While Layla is quite competent with using the potty during the day, night time training has been an issue.  Most parents will tell you that potty training is one of the worst things about parenting a toddler, and the fact that we have been continuing to struggle with this for over 2 years (more than half of her short life) Mike and I (and our washing machine) will attest to that statement.  When we began daytime toilet training, I experimented with washable pull-up trainers, which were fine for small accidents, but not sufficient for night time.  So we have been stuck with disposable pull-ups...but no more.  I have been re-inspired to get her into night time cloth for big girls, but this has resulted in a big hurdle to overcome: no free pattern (that I liked).  I am also looking into big girl diapers for an old friends daughter with special needs, so I'm trying to make a pattern that will accommodate some growth and be able to handle a good soaking and an easy change if necessary.  This is what I have come up with for Layla...not sure if it will work for Trin yet...the research and experiment continues....

Cut one pattern out of PUL material and one out of a cotton print.  Cut 4 side pannels out of a jersey stretch cotton for easy on/off.

Pin and sew side pannels.  One set pin and sew to PUL, second set pin and sew to cotton print (right sides together).

Outside with side pannels attached.

Inside with front pannels attached.

Line up with wring sides together, pin and sew as close as possible to edge all the way around to prepare for fold over elastic (FOE).

Add FOE all the way around.

Add 2 snaps on each wing and 3 snaps down the center to hold a soaker in place.

Soaker is now snapped in place

Finished trainer (front) (please ignore the grease stain on the jersey).

Finished trainer (back)

 Now it's ready to wear - I hope it works as good as it looks!

Pattern: These fit a child size 4/5 with 20" waist, 16" rise, and 14" leg hole.  Print on letter sized paper and assemble the front and back sections at the fold.  The pattern was folded in half and scanned, so cut out accordingly.  The side panels should be kept separate to be cut out on jersey. Sorry the colour is all funky - this is the best I could do :)