This post is sponsored by GoodNites
As a parent of a child who is still experiencing some wetness at night, I’ve been asked a lot about how we handle nighttime wetting in our house. While we have our own routine and have gotten used to it being a part of our night, I know many parents are surprised to find their potty-trained child still struggling with being wet at night. Trust me, I know it can be confusing and frustrating, especially if you don’t have all the facts!
It took some trial and error, but I’m happy to say we’ve gotten comfortable with this developmental stage in my daughter’s life. I’m excited to share some of the common questions other parents have asked me, in hopes that you help your kids gain confidence and help to encourage your own kiddos.
1. My child has been potty trained for a few years, but still experiences nighttime wetting. Is this normal?
Yes! This is completely normal. Actually, this is why products like GoodNites NightTime Underwear, the #1 NightTime Protection Brand*, have been developed. They really do assist both the child and parent through these developmental milestones. The new XS size of GoodNites that my daughter wears are designed specifically for children that are recently potty trained but not dry at night yet. Many children experience nighttime wetting as they develop. Just as children learn to walk, talk, and sleep through the night at different rates, the same applies to children mastering nighttime wetting. That said, it is important to have an open dialogue with your pediatrician about nighttime wetting if you have concerns.
2. Have you taken your child to the pediatrician, and what did they say?
I have had an open dialogue with our pediatrician for the past several years and he has simply reminded me that each child is different and that at this point in time, there is no need for concern. If at some point, that changes, or we do not grow out of this phase, then we will address the issue and come up with a plan at that point.
3. My child doesn’t want to wear a diaper anymore, but still struggles with nighttime wetting. How do I make sure they are protected at night without one?
GoodNites has you covered on this one! For my child, we too out grew diapers. Thankfully, GoodNites are nighttime underwear that have enticing character prints for kids and pull on just like the underwear they wear during the day. They also now come in an extra small size that offers 40% more protection vs. the leading training pant and are designed to fit children who are recently potty trained, but experiencing some wetness at night. As my daughter gets older, GoodNites offers larger sizes if we need them. This means she can continue to feel confident when she experiences grownup activities, like going away to camp or to a sleepover.
4. What type of routine do you use to get ready for bed with your child?
Our routine is pretty much just like any other normal bedtime routine: bath, books, bed! We sneak in lots of hugs and snuggles during those times. After bathtime, we change into PJ’s and GoodNites, hop into bed for some reading and then say good night. We basically follow the “Shift-snug-snooze” routine that you can read about on the GoodNites website, which focuses on family bonding not nighttime wetting. It definitely works for us!
5.Should I start limited the amount of fluids my child drinks to help with nighttime wetting?
While many think this is a solution (and for some it might be – every child and every family is different), I am more concerned at this stage about keeping my daughter hydrated and healthy. She is very active and plays hard so we always encourage water throughout the day, but find that due to her activities, she still craves more in the evening. Paired with the extremely high temperatures that we face a good portion of our year living in California, hydration remains our focus. With an early bedtime, I am not comfortable withholding water from her when she is thirsty. However, I always recommend talking to your pediatrician to see if this is a recommend solution for you.
If I had to choose one takeaway I hope everyone can glean from this one thing: your child is totally and completely normal! Learning that nighttime dryness is a process will take time, and that will come naturally. Like most stages in our kid’s development, it will be done and over with before you know it! Stop worrying, and just enjoy this time with your kiddos. One day, you’ll look back and wonder why you worried so much!
*Youth Pant Category