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Boys and bedwetting
Nocturnal enuresis—bedwetting at night—is very common and affects over a quarter of five-year-olds. Sometimes it’s constant, but for others it can strike as if out of the blue.
The causes of bedwetting are varied and can include:
- A small bladder
- Hormone changes
- Difficulty recognising a full bladder
- Urinary tract infections
- Constipation
- Diabetes
It is thought that bedwetting is twice as common in boys as it is for girls. However, it is just as likely that it comes down to your child’s development and any emotional or behavioural challenges in their life.
Whether your son has always wet the bed or has started again after stopping for a few months, it’s no fun for either of you. Don’t despair, it’s often just a part of a boy’s development. If you think there could be an underlying issue, check in with your GP.
5 ways to help your son stay dry at night
Make sure he drinks plenty
The National Institute for Health and Excellence (NICE) recommends that four- to eight-year-olds should drink six to eight glasses of water a day. Prompting your son to drink water throughout the day allows his bladder to reach its maximum capacity and helps keep it in good working order.
Regular loo stops
Remind him to use the toilet regularly throughout the day and make a final visit before settling down for the night so his bladder is empty before he goes to sleep.
Light the way
Some kids are afraid of the dark, but it’s important that your son can find his way to the bathroom easily at night. A night light or keeping a torch handy will help guide him and keep the monsters at bay. For younger kids, you might want to put a potty in their room.
Offer him protection
Huggies® DryNites® Pyjama Pants are clinically proven for a better night’s sleep, and can help your son relax more at night, and give him confidence going forward with social activities like sleepovers or trips away from home with DryNites® Pyjama Pants. Team them up with Huggies® DryNites® Bed Mats if he needs that extra security. Store them somewhere discreet but easily accessible – in a pyjama or underwear drawer at home, or the inside pocket of a rucksack when on trips.
With bedwetting it’s always important to stay positive!
All the parents we spoke to who had boys affected by bedwetting said that embarrassment was their overwhelming feeling, especially as they got older. The associated stress about bedwetting can make the problem worse. No matter how hard, try to remain calm and positive as showing annoyance will only feed into his anxiety.
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