How to Handle Middle-of-the-Night Accidents While Traveling with Kids

You’ve finally settled into your vacation rental or hotel room after a long travel day - woof. After an endless battle against the excitement of being somewhere new, the kids finally fall asleep, you do too, and then... a dreaded wakeup. Someone wet the bed. And it's not even their bed. Shit.

If you’ve been there, you’re not alone. Or if your mind is just cycling through all the things that could happen on the trip with your mostly-but-not-completely-reliably potty trained child, you're not alone. Travel throws off routines, sleep schedules, and potty training progress — and nighttime accidents are often part of the deal. The good news? I've got something for you that's light and easy to pack so you can handle these mishaps without losing your mind (or your security deposit).

Here’s how to handle middle-of-the-night accidents while traveling with kids — calmly, quickly, and with way less stress.

1. Pack for the Possibility (Not Just the Probability)

You might be tempted to skip backup clothes or bed protection if accidents have been rare lately. But travel is unpredictable — new environments, extra fluids, and disrupted sleep can easily lead to regressions.

Here’s what to pack:

• Extra pajamas and undies, space permitting (and if there is no space, see what laundry options will be available wherever you're staying)

• A waterproof layer for the bed (I'm talking Vommat -> lightweight, completely watertight disposable sheets)

• A plastic or wet bag for soiled clothes depending on the laundry situation

Even if you don’t end up needing them, you’ll be glad you came prepared. And if you DO need them, you can pat yourself on the back for being so on top of things. 

2. Protect the Bed (Just in Case)

Hotel and Airbnb mattresses are rarely kid-proof, and many don’t come with waterproof covers. A middle-of-the-night accident could mean an awkward conversation with a host, a hotel front desk, or your mother-in-law. Get ahead of the game. 

To avoid the stress, place a Vommat or other protective layer under your child before bed. With a Vommat, you have two main options:

• Vommat on top of the mattress, under the fitted sheet: this makes it undetectable to the child (but leaves the fitted sheet vulnerable). 

• Vommat on top of fitted sheet, child sleeps directly on top of it (ideal for post-accident cleanup)
  

If an accident happens, you'll toss the Vommat and lay out a fresh one. If you had it under the fitted sheet, you'll need a new one of those and will have to wash the one that was hit - you can see a preference for laying right on the Vommat, right?

3. Don’t Panic About Regressions

Whether your child is fully potty trained or still learning, travel can throw everything off. Accidents don’t mean you’re back at square one, they just mean your child is adjusting to change.

Try to stay calm and supportive. A shamed or stressed-out child is more likely to struggle again the next night. Remind them that accidents happen, especially when you’re in a new place. It's all good!! (Especially if you were prepared for this exact scenario, right?)

4. Be Honest with Your Host (If Necessary)

If you’re staying in someone else’s home and an accident causes a mess, a quick, honest heads-up goes a long way. Most hosts are understanding, especially if you offer to replace something or cover any extra cleaning. But chances are, if you’ve used a protective layer like Vommat, you’ll avoid damage in the first place — and your host won’t even know there was an issue.

Don’t Let Accidents Ruin the Trip

Nighttime accidents on vacation are annoying but they don’t have to be a crisis. With the right tools and mindset, you can handle them with minimal stress and mess.

So go ahead and plan that trip. Whether it’s a potty training slip-up, a stomach bug surprise, or an unexpected bedwetting moment, Vommat’s got it covered.

Featured image by Lance Asper on Unsplash.