Bedwetting Alarms: What to Know about Bedwetting Alarms
What is Bedwetting?
Bedwetting, also known as “nocturnal enuresis,” is when a child urinates in their sleep. Most children are potty trained between the ages of two and four, but some may not be able to stay dry at night until they are older.
While bedwetting is common, between 10-15% of children in the United States continue to do so until age six, with it being slightly more common in boys than girls. If bedwetting is continues or you have concerns, you should have a conversation with your child’s healthcare provider.
What are the Common Causes of Bedwetting?
Typically, your child’s brain and bladder connection (meaning, how the brain and bladder communicate and interact) will develop by the age of five, but sometimes accidents still happen, especially at night. During the day they may be great at knowing when their bladder feels full and when to use the potty, but at night they sleep right through feeling the need to go to the bathroom and it results in wet beds. Possible conditions that could be causing bedwetting after a certain age include certain medical conditions, trouble with sleep, or stress and anxiety. It’s a good idea to talk with your child’s healthcare provider and decide if a bedwetting alarm will help.
If a bedwetting alarm is not going to be used, Goodnites® Nighttime Underwear is a great solution for when accidents still happen. They're specifically designed to fit and provide protection against accidents for kids who only wet the bed at night.
What are Bedwetting Alarms?
One possible solution to persistent nighttime accidents is using a bedwetting or enuresis alarm. These small devices have smart moisture sensors to detect the first signs of wetness. If it becomes wet, it triggers an alarm, which wakes your child so that they can get up and use the potty.
Read on to learn more about the ins and outs of bedwetting alarms and if they’re the right option for you.
Tips for Success When Using a Bedwetting Alarm
If your healthcare provider has recommended a bedwetting alarm as part of your child’s bedtime routine, these simple steps can help support your child and set them up for success.
- Set expectations together. Explain that the alarm helps their body learn nighttime signals.
- Practice before bedtime. Do a bathroom “dry run” so they will know what to do if it goes off.
- When starting out, wake up with them. Initially many children may sleep through the alarms, so you should be there to help them.
- Keep things easy by having night‑lights turned on, a clear route to the bathroom, and pajamas and Goodnites® Nighttime Underwear.
- Use positive reinforcement and avoid punishment. Stickers, a simple progress chart, or verbal praise can really boost motivation.
- Using Goodnites® Nighttime Underwear, having a mattress protector, and keeping spare pajamas nearby can help ensure dry nights and make clean ups easier.
- Finally… Be consistent. Use the bedwetting alarm each night to help build a consistent, positive habit.
How long will it take?
Bedwetting alarms are shown to be successful at helping with nocturnal enuresis, but every child’s timeline is different. Many families notice improvements over weeks, while others may need a few months. In fact, 12 weeks of treatment has been shown to be 50-80% successful.
Nighttime Underwear
If you are not using a bedwetting alarm, absorbent nighttime underwear can help them sleep comfortably. Products like Goodnites® Nighttime Underwear for Boys and Goodnites® Nighttime Underwear for Girls are designed to be up to 100% leakproof, no matter how your child sleeps™ so they can wake up feeling dry and confident.
Your Bedwetting Companion
Goodnites® Nighttime Underwear are trusted for nighttime protection and can help your children feel protected, prepared, and confident. Having trouble getting them out of the bedwetting stage?
Take our product quiz to find the right nighttime bedwetting protection for your child.
