Top 6 Tips to #ConquerBedWetting

Bedwetting is an issue that many parents have dealt with at one time or another, but rarely talk about. There are feelings of shame, disappointment, and embarrassment swirling around this issue, especially as children get older, but it is much more common then you might think. Did you know 15% of children still wet the bed at age 5? I hope that these tips will give those who are currently dealing with bedwetting some tools and offer support in this season of life from someone who has been there before.

#1 Remain Positive and Supportive

Bedwetting can damage a child’s self-esteem and self-confidence, but the best way to combat the negative feelings your child might be experiencing is by staying positive at all times. Focus on the issue, and try not to blame or punish your child. Instead reassure them that bedwetting is very common and usually runs in the family, but they will overcome it and learn how to stay dry at night. As you are encouraging your child make sure to let them know that they are the one who is ultimately responsible for staying dry, and that will be there to help them overcome the problem.

#2 Get “Nighttime Underwear” for Your Child

I highly recommend you have special “nighttime underwear” as you are trying to conquer bedwetting. Changing sheets and clothes in the middle of the night was not something I was able to handle while staying positive so to keep my cool I ran out to my local Wal-Mart and grabbed a package of AKA the “nighttime underwear” and I was able to stay sane and positive even at 3am. I explained to my child that just because this special underwear will help keep the sheets dry they were still expected to kept their undies dry like “daytime underwear” and we will try not to have accidents in them. By setting the expectations for their special undies they never felt like they were wearing a diaper or that they could just potty in them. This particular brand is great for older kids too because it feels more cloth like than other brands I have tried and the waistband is low like regular underwear so they are very inconspicuous. Having “nighttime underwear” also makes clean-up when accidents do happen quick and easy for you and your child.

I know it is hard, my kids beg for a drink every night before bed, but try to limit liquid starting about two hours before bedtime. Anything containing sugar (juice, soda, or even milk) seem to be high trigger liquids so definitely no sugary drinks before bed.

#4 Have Your Child Go Potty before Bedtime

I know this seems like common sense, but make sure your child goes to the bathroom before bed. There are nights I have to pull kids out of bed to go potty, but it is well worth it. Kids get busy or tired, but make sure they empty their bladder before hitting the pillow. Also, if you are a night owl, like me, get your child up before you go to bed and have them go potty again so they empty their bladder a second time before morning. This also helps them to recognize if they need to go it is okay to get up in the night to use the bathroom.

#5 Make Sure the Path to the Toilet is clear at Night

Make sure that there are no toys or furniture from your child’s bed to the toilet so they have easy access to the potty all night. We have a bright nightlight for the bathroom that allows the kids to see clearly at night if they get up to use the potty. Easy access is key when you are trying to train your child to recognize the urge to go—even in sleep—and then act on it.

#6 Reward Your Child for Their Progress

Positive praise and rewards goes along with staying positive through this process. For us M&Ms worked great and we have also had great success with a sticker chart! Your child can earn a sticker for every night they keep their UnderJams dry and/or get up in the night to potty. Then after they earn a certain amount of stickers they get a bigger prize. My kids loved to get to choose a special treat at the store or a play date with a friend as their rewards.

For more info and helpful tips from experts and other parents like you visit where you can learn about enuresis (bedwetting), watch videos and read articles with helpful insight.  

Please comment below with any tips you have to help conqueror bedwetting that I might have missed. 

This is a sponsored post from Pampers UnderJams, but all opinions are 100% my own and 100% honest.