Night time bedwetting in older children—especially boys—is more common than most people realise, yet it’s a topic that’s rarely talked about openly. As parents, we want to support our children in every way possible, but when it comes to bedwetting, we often find ourselves at a loss for what to do or where to turn. The lack of conversation around this issue leaves many families feeling isolated or even frustrated.
At The Conscious Parent, we believe it’s time to approach night time bedwetting from a more compassionate, holistic perspective. This article explores why it may be happening, what you can do to support your child, and the options available when a little extra help is needed.
Why does nighttime bedwetting happen?
There’s a misconception that children who wet the bed are doing it out of laziness or simply because they’re not “trained” well enough. But the reality is that bedwetting is rarely something a child can control. It’s a developmental issue that can stem from several different factors. Here are a few underlying reasons why nighttime bedwetting might be happening:
1. Delayed bladder maturity: For some children, the bladder simply hasn’t developed enough to hold all the urine produced throughout the night. This is particularly common in boys, who may take longer to develop in this area.
2. Deep sleep patterns: Some children sleep so deeply that their brain doesn’t wake them up when their bladder is full. They’re not being lazy—they’re just genuinely not receiving the signals that it’s time to wake up and go to the bathroom. This is often linked to sleep-disordered breathing, such as mouth breathing, which can disrupt the brain’s ability to communicate effectively during sleep. If your child is a mouth breather, addressing this underlying issue can sometimes improve sleep quality and reduce bedwetting incidents. For more on how mouth breathing affects sleep and overall development, keep an eye out for our upcoming article!
3. Genetics: If you or your partner wet the bed as a child, there’s a higher chance your child might experience it too. It’s often something that runs in families, and typically, children outgrow it in their own time.
4. Nutritional imbalances: Deficiencies or excesses in certain minerals, like magnesium or salt, can play a role in fluid balance. Addressing these imbalances can sometimes reduce bedwetting incidents.
5. Bladder irritants: Certain foods and drinks can irritate the bladder, making bedwetting more likely. Common irritants include chocolate, citrus fruits, caffeinated drinks, and artificial sweeteners. Try to identify if any of these are contributing to your child’s bedwetting and consider reducing or eliminating them from their diet.
6. Emotional stress or anxiety: Just like adults, children can be affected by changes in routine, family dynamics, or social situations. This emotional stress can sometimes show up as nighttime bedwetting.
Supportive steps you can take
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for nighttime bedwetting, but there are several gentle, holistic steps you can take to support your child:
1. Increase salt intake before bed: A small pinch of high-quality sea salt in water before bed can help regulate the body’s fluid balance, making it less likely that your child will wet the bed.
2. Check for food intolerances: Foods like dairy, gluten, or artificial additives can sometimes be triggers. Try eliminating common allergens one at a time to see if there’s any change in bedwetting patterns.
3. Avoid bladder irritants in the evening: Reduce or eliminate foods and drinks that may irritate the bladder, such as chocolate, orange juice, and fizzy drinks. Encourage drinking more water throughout the day rather than in the evening hours.
4. Encourage bathroom trips before bed: This may sound obvious, establish a set routine of going to the bathroom right before getting into bed and again just before falling asleep.
5. Support their nervous system: Evening rituals like a calming magnesium bath, gentle stretches, or bedtime stories can help relax their nervous system, reducing the likelihood of bedwetting.
6. Address mouth breathing: Mouth breathing can disrupt the quality of sleep and affect the body’s ability to wake up when the bladder is full. If your child is a mouth breather, consider consulting a specialist who can assess the cause and recommend solutions, such as breathing exercises or tools like the MyoMunchee. Encouraging nasal breathing and correcting poor tongue posture can support deeper, more restorative sleep, reducing the chances of bedwetting.
7. Night pants for older children: For families needing a little extra support, night pants designed for older children are a helpful solution. At The Conscious Parent, we stock night pants that are gentle on the skin, free from harsh chemicals, and designed to provide comfort and protection. They offer peace of mind and allow children to get a restful night’s sleep without embarrassment or discomfort.
Removing the Stigma Around Bedwetting
It’s essential to remember that your child isn’t doing this on purpose, and the last thing they need is to feel ashamed or pressured. Try to avoid punishments or expressions of disappointment when it happens. Instead, offer reassurance and remind them that it’s just part of growing up. Many children outgrow bedwetting on their own as they get older.
Approach conversations about bedwetting with empathy and understanding. Let your child know that you’re there to support them, no matter what. Encourage them to express how they feel, and if they’re struggling emotionally, consider working with a practitioner who understands the emotional aspects of childhood development.
When to Seek Additional Support
If you’ve tried various approaches and nothing seems to help, it might be time to seek additional support. Working with a holistic practitioner or a paediatrician familiar with integrative methods can be incredibly beneficial. They can help identify any underlying issues and create a tailored plan that suits your child’s needs.
Final Thoughts
Bedwetting can be a challenging phase for both children and parents, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and there’s no need for shame. With the right support, gentle strategies, and patience, your child will outgrow this phase in their own time.
At The Conscious Parent, we’re committed to providing the resources and products that help families navigate these unique challenges. Whether it’s through our night pants or our community support, we’re here to help you and your child feel more confident and comfortable.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about how we can support your family, feel free to reach out to us. We’d love to connect and offer guidance on this journey.