Bedwetting Myths & Truths

MYTH: Bedwetting is a behavioural problem

TRUTH: Bedwetting is not a learning problem or a behavioural problem. Children who wet the bed do not do it on purpose; it's just simply something that happens.

MYTH: Someone's to blame

TRUTH: Bedwetting is no-one's fault. There are many causes and reasons but very few can be influenced by either parent or child.

MYTH: It's a serious condition

TRUTH: There are loads of children out there who wet the bed. And lots of reasons why it happens. Most of them are nothing to worry about at all.

MYTH: Don't give your child drinks after 4pm

TRUTH: This could make the situation worse as limiting drinks may cause dehydration and concentrated urine, which could cause bladder irritability. Make sure your child has plenty to drink throughout the day to develop good bladder habits. Limiting drinks a couple of hours before bed may help but never deny a thirsty child a drink.

MYTH: Carry your child to the toilet in the night

TRUTH: Most parents try this method at some point, as taking them to the toilet seems like a natural thing to do to stop, or at least control, the bedwetting. What it does do is reinforce to the child that they can urinate when they are asleep. This can make the wetting worse because the child isn't responding to their brain waking them to a full bladder.

MYTH: There is a cure for bedwetting

TRUTH: There is no magical cure for bedwetting; it's something that will go with time. But there are things that you can do to help you and your child cope. These include absorbent sleepwear such as DryNites®, providing positive encouragement and reward schemes. If you are concerned, you can seek advice from your healthcare professional who may be able to prescribe suitable medication for the short term. It is important, as with all conditions like bedwetting, not to ignore or overlook the emotional wellbeing of the child.

MYTH: Wearing DryNites® delays the end of bedwetting

TRUTH: There is no evidence to suggest that using absorbent sleepwear delays or hinders progress. DryNites® won't cure your child's bedwetting, but they will help you both manage the phase with discretion and confidence.

Bedwetting Facts

Bedwetting Myths and Truths