It’s almost a parenting rite of passage; you’re in the kind of deep sleep that only comes from being a parent. The call pierces the night air; ‘Muuuuum, I’ve wet the bed.’ And so begins the ‘strip the bed and scramble to find new sheets’ dance. 

While bedwetting (or Nocturnal Enuresis if we want to get scientific) is an extremely common part of childhood, happening in around 15-20 per cent of five-year-old children, it can take its toll, especially on a kids’ confidence and self-esteem. This is particularly true for children as they get older and activities like sleep overs and school camp appear on the horizon. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can help.

Here's exactly how to help your child if they're experiencing bedwetting

Reassure, reassure, reassure

Every kid will wet the bed at some stage and it’s important that your child realises that they aren’t alone. Bedwetting can bring up some complex emotions: shame, embarrassment, frustration. Having an open dialogue with your child can make the world of difference in managing and eventually overcoming it. Reassure your child that what they are experiencing is completely normal and WILL, one way or the other, eventually pass. You can also chat about how bedwetting can be managed effectively so that life can go on as normal (and your child can get back to what they do best; being a kid!)

Watch: The pressure to be a 'good mum'. Post continues after video.

Tweak your night-time routine

Research has found that a few tweaks to the night-time routine can actually help prevent accidents. Cutting back on sugary or caffeinated drinks a couple of hours before bed can be helpful, but it’s super important for kids to drink enough during the day (dehydration can actually make bed wetting worse!). Keeping the bedroom dim, quiet and calm (unplug any devices and leave outside the room) and making a toilet trip the last step before lights out can also mean less chance of accidents and more chance of a dry night.

Set them up for success (and manage accidents on the fly)

If your child is experiencing regular bed-wetting or even if it’s an intermittent thing, using a few key products can make all the difference, especially in the middle of the night. If bedwetting is occurring nightly, DryNites Night Time Pants can be a great option for helping to stay dry. These specifically designed pants look like underwear and offer comfortable, absorbent protection without leaks. If your child is just not quite there yet with staying dry, Night Time Pants can mean they’re able to sleep comfortably and enjoy activities like sleep overs, without the risk of an accident. 

An absorbent bed mat, like DryNites Bed Mats can be a game-changer in keeping mattresses dry and clean up easy. Quick to fit, super absorbent and easy to remove if an accident occurs, a bed mat can both reassure and give kids' confidence, especially if they’re transitioning out of Night Time Pants. 

Huggies Night Time Pants. Image: Supplied.

 

Know when to seek extra guidance

While the majority of kids will grow out of bedwetting by the time they are in later primary school, up to 5 per cent of 10-year-old children still find it hard to stay dry through the night. The reasons for bedwetting are varied but generally it is due to a slight delay in bladder development. There are other causes, both physical and psychological, but these are rare and usually associated with known health conditions.

If your child is reaching an age where they are concerned by their bedwetting, your GP can help formulate a plan for staying dry overnight, and rule out any underlying issues that could be contributing.

When it comes to bedwetting, you're not alone. It's common, and usually goes away on its own. But in the meantime, Huggies DryNites Nite Time Pants are designed to allow kids to still be kids, so they can enjoy a good night's sleep, while their body naturally grows out of the bedwetting phase.