Hi C.W. – it is always advisable to have your child checked by a doctor if they continue to experience nighttime incontinence after age 6. You can use this opportunity to rule out any underlying medical cause (like a urinary tract infection) as well as to discuss treatment options. Understandably children’s biggest fear about attending sleepovers is being found out by their friends. Holding the sleepover at your house is a good way to begin building her self-confidence. You can help her to feel more comfortable and self-assured by practicing getting ready for bed and finding ways to disguise her DryNites. Wearing an oversized nightie or layered sleepwear is one option – some children find wearing their regular undies over the top of their DryNites also reduces any sound. You can also place her DryNites at the bottom of her sleeping bag so that she can put these on once everyone is in bed. Include a strategically placed bag of lollies, which can account for the noise if anyone comments! She can slip her DryNites off in the morning before she gets out of her sleeping bag and put them in the plastic bag which can be disposed of at a later time. Discuss with her what she might say if someone does find out about her bedwetting (reassure her that this is very unlikely but it is always better to be prepared). If DryNites are really not an option you could consider using a medication designed to reduce urine production. This should only be used in the short-term but can be an effective way to manage children’s bedwetting for things like slumber parties or school camps. You should discuss this further with your doctor when you make your appointment. All the best!

Regards,
Dr Cathrine

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