How exhausting this must be for you! There are a number of possible reasons why your children are wetting through. The first thing to check is that their DryNites are fitting correctly – absorbent pants that are too large or small can cause leakage. The absorbency of DryNites has recently been improved, so you may find the problem will rectify itself with the new product. It is also worth looking at what they are eating and drinking in the afternoon and evenings; certain foods can increase the amount of urine children produce overnight. It is best to avoid anything containing caffeine (this includes caffeinated drinks as well as chocolate), and limit their intake of dairy and citrus. You can also try and minimize the amount of urine they produce overnight by ensuring they fully empty their bladder just prior to going to sleep. Recent research on bedwetting also points to the absence of ADH (antidiuretic hormone) – children without ADH produce four times the amount of urine as those who have the hormone and are therefore at a greater likelihood of ‘overfilling’ their bladder at night. If you are at all concerned about your children’s bladder capacity you can have this checked by their GP. This is usually achieved by having children drink, and then measuring their urine output when they go to the toilet. Given their ages, I would probably hold off on beginning any formal treatment, as there is a strong likelihood that they will outgrow this on their own, although it is certainly worth speaking with a doctor that way you can rule out any possible underlying medical cause.

Regards, Dr Cathrine

Ask Dr Cathrine a question