Many children are dry at night by age five, but others will continue to wet the bed for several more years. About 10% of seven-year olds will wet the bed at least once in awhile¹. Though more and more kids stay dry as they get older, even some pre-teen children are still wetting the bed. The medical term for this is “nocturnal enuresis,” commonly called “bedwetting.” Wetting the bed runs in families, and often children will stop wetting the bed at night at the same age their parents became consistently dry.

Children will eventually outgrow enuresis, but check with your doctor to rule out any medical conditions that could be the cause. In the meantime, there are simple things parents can do to help their child feel confident, protected and secure.

Be Understanding

To help a child with enuresis, first look at how it affects the child. A boy who’s completely unconcerned about bedwetting should be handled differently than his schoolmate who’s very worried and upset about the condition. Any feelings of poor self-esteem or worry need to be addressed head-on, with a listening ear, understanding, and calm reassurance.

Pay Attention to Daytime Habits

Some children wet the bed in part due to daytime habits. Children should be encouraged to empty their bladders frequently and completely during the day. “Holders” become less aware of the sensation of a full bladder, and more frequently wet the bed at night. If a child is constipated, that also needs to be addressed before bedwetting will stop.

Modify Diet

Easy dietary changes can sometimes help. Drinking plenty of fluids in the morning hours will make a child less thirsty in the evening, and less likely to crave liquids near bedtime. Because constipation contributes to bedwetting, a diet with plenty of whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables can help prevent at least some bedwetting episodes.

Provide Comfort

For comfort, convenience, and reassurance, using a product like GoodNites® Sleep Pants will help a child feel more in control and less embarrassed. Though these products are not a cure for bedwetting, they will ease children’s minds and provide a way for them to feel comfortable all night.

Children should be encouraged to put sleep pants on by themselves at night, but putting on the sleep pants should not be the focus of your child’s bedtime routine. Spend the majority of time before bed doing something special with your child, like reading a book or talking about their day, instead of concentrating on bedwetting.

¹Fergusson, D.M. (1986).Factors Related to the Age of Attainment of Nocturnal Bladder Control. Pediatrics. 78, 884-890.