Bedwetting in Children and Teens - What Parents Need to Know
Most kids will grow out of bedwetting by their teens, but how can you tell if what's happening is normal or if it's time to chat with a doctor? Stay tuned for some helpful info and tips!
Hey parents! We know bedwetting can be a worry, but guess what? It's actually super common for little ones. Around a third of 4-year-olds experience night-time leaks, and 1 in 10 by age 6.
Of course, some kiddos might feel a bit down after a wet night, but for most, it's not a big deal.
Here's the thing: knowing what's normal can be a total game-changer. That way, you can focus on helping your little one feel comfy and confident, and know when it's time to chat with their doctor.
Stay tuned for some helpful tips coming your way!
What causes bedwetting?
So, why do night-time leaks happen? There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but here's the thing: understanding the reasons can be a total superpower for you and your kiddo!
Here are some of the reasons little ones might have wet nights:
Family Fun Fact
If you or your partner were night-time adventurers as kids, there's a chance your little one might be too (it's kind of like having cool sleepover habits passed down!).
Tiny Bladders, Big Dreams
Sometimes, little bladders just can't hold all the nighttime fluids!
Busy Kidneys
Ever chug a giant juice box before bed? Kidneys work overtime too, sometimes making more pee than those tiny bladders can handle.
Toileting Struggles
If your little one is having trouble going to the toilet during the day, it can lead to bedwetting too.
Sleeping Beauty (or Beast!)
Deep sleepers might not wake up when their bladder needs a pit stop.
Super important note: in rare cases, there can be other reasons for bedwetting. But don't worry, doctors are there to help you figure things out!
Knowing these reasons can help you normalise bedwetting for your child and feel confident about when to chat with their doctor.
Underlying issues of bedwetting
Parents, don't panic if your little one has some wet nights! As we mentioned, bedwetting is super common, and chances are it's due to one of those reasons above.
But here's the thing - there are a few times when it's a good idea to chat with your doctor. Here's a heads up:
Nighttime Explorers Past Age 7
Most kiddos grow out of bedwetting by then, so if it's still happening, a visit to their doctor can help rule out anything else.
Feeling Down About Wet Nights
If your child seems deflated about leaks, their doctor can offer support and tips.
More Bedtime Pee Production
Your child may be producing most of their urine at nighttime which could be a sign of something else.
Daytime Woes
Wetting pants or having accidents during the day can be different from bedwetting.
Dry Streak Then Leaks
If your child was dry for six months or more and then starts wetting the bed again, a check-up might be a good idea.
Remember, doctors are there to help! Knowing when to chat with them can give you peace of mind and help your little night adventurer conquer those wet nights.
How to stop bedwetting
We get it, wet nights can be a challenge for everyone. Your little one might feel a bit embarrassed, and those laundry piles can get out of control!
But here's the good news - most kiddos grow out of it on their own.
In the meantime, there are some things you can do to make the transition to dry nights smoother:
Hydration Station
Make sure your little adventurer stays hydrated all day long, but avoid big drinks right before bedtime. Spreading out fluids helps keep the pee flowing evenly throughout the day.
Alarm Adventure
Bedwetting alarms are like superheroes for wet nights! They work for 80%-90% of kiddos, and most stay dry even after they stop using them. Pretty cool, right?
Medication Mission (Sometimes)
Doctors are awesome at figuring things out, and sometimes they might recommend special medicine to help your child produce less pee at night. But this isn't super common.
The Power of Positivity
Forget about getting mad - encouragement is your secret weapon! Sticker charts for dry nights can be a fun way to track progress and keep your little one motivated. Remember, everyone wets the bed sometimes, but with some teamwork, dry nights are totally achievable!
Creating a supportive environment for your child
Patience is key! This is a team effort, and conquering wet nights might take a little time. Your child might have siblings, and it's super important they're part of the cheer squad, not the tease team.
Together Time = Success Time!
The more your child feels like they're in control of the process, the better! Regular pep talks and encouragement are awesome tools to keep them motivated.
Nighttime Ninjas in Training!
Nundies are like comfy armour for nighttime leaks. They come in two sizes for growing explorers (ages 4-7 and 8-15), and they're designed to stop leaks in their tracks. Feeling confident and dry at night can be a real game-changer!
Catch Those Zzzs!
If wet nights are interrupting your young one's sleep, pants like Nundies can help them snooze peacefully through the night. Well-rested kiddos are better equipped to tackle those dry night goals!
Positive Vibes Only!
Experts agree: yelling or punishment is a total no-go. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, harsh punishments can actually worsen bedwetting and damage a child's self-esteem [1]. Remember, your child didn't choose this, and feeling safe and supported is key.
How Nundies support kids and teens through bedwetting
Our pants put a stop to leaks. They keep those bedsheets dry and cosy. And when kiddos put them on, wow Nundies hide beneath their outfits like an invisibility cloak!
They’ve been made with special powers, like triple threat absorbency channels which rapidly draw in and dry liquid to keep your kids dry and comfortable for up to 12 hours - perfect for overnights.
Their anti-leak guards in the leg openings stop any sneaky runaway leaks in their tracks so your child can sleep, play and learn without fear.
We do what we do so kids can be themselves and not have to worry about incontinence - because they shouldn’t have to.
Nundies are there to support you and your little one on this journey.
Nundies Youth Pants!
About the Author: Gabriella Del Grande
Having begun her career as a journalist, Gabriella has been weaving words to create engaging and educational content for over a decade. Gabriella loves to write insightful pieces that empower readers to take control of their health and wellbeing so they can live their lives to the fullest. Along with crafting articles, Gabriella has an eye for design, producing and overseeing visual content from short-form Instagram reels and TikToks to long-form brand campaigns and video series.