Our 4 1/2-year-old does fine staying dry in GoodNites® Underpants but when we put him in regular underwear he will have at least one accident a night. Why, and what could be a possible solution? People have suggested restricting fluids. We have never done that with GoodNites® Underpants, and he still wakes up dry. Thank you for your help.
Answer
Let me first address the issue of fluid restriction. Fluid restriction rarely stops bedwetting unless the child is pushed to a state of dehydration and very low urine output. This is a practice that I don't advise. It makes sense not to drink large amounts before going to bed, but sending a child to bed thirsty is just plain mean.
As for your son, it's great that he's staying dry in GoodNites® Underpants. I can only speculate that the reason he stays dry in GoodNites® Underpants is that they alter his sleep sensations, whereas with the underwear, this sensation is absent. It might be interesting to see what happens if he wears underwear with GoodNites® Underpants over the top of the underwear.
At his age, I would not recommend other treatments such as medications or the bedwetting alarm.
Christopher Cooper
Director of Pediatric Urology Children's Hospital of Iowa
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