Still wetting the bed at 5yo

[bobblehat]

My ds who is nearly 5 still isn't dry at night. He does a big wee before he goes to bed (at about 7.30)and when I go to bed at about 11.30 he is still dry. I think it happens just as he wakes up, as quite often his pyjamas are soaking, but his sheets are just damp. The first thing he does when he gets up is go to the loo.

He does want to do it and is really proud of himself on the odd day his bed is dry.

Any suggestions before my washing machine gives up??

My 4yo still wears pull ups to bed.
I've been told it can take until they are 7yo to be completely dry at night, something to do with a hormone changing.
Sorry not much help but thought I'd offer that bit of info so as not to leave you unanswered!

(this is just for boys btw)

Yes, its considered quite normal for children (both boys and girls) to wet up till the age of 7. That's about the earliest they will consider referral to an enuresis clinic.

A few things which are worth trying:
firstly, make sure your child drinks loads during the day, so he is well hydrated and develop a big enough bladder. Then ideally he shouldn't need to drink within an hour or two of bedtime.

Secondly, if you think he's mature enough, try some 'positive thinking' last thing before bed - say to himself, e.g., if I need a wee I will wake up and go to the loo.

The third thing is to check that his 'big wee' really is a full empty - it might be worth him doing that before he cleans his teeth and then seeing if he can squeeze a little more out after.

There is lots of good advice (and product info for protective bedcovers etc) at the Eric website

Grimmathenome - I was always told the hormone thing was just boys! Good tips there...might try with my DS, thanks!

Thank you! May go back to pull ups for a while then and try again in a few months.

It's difficult because ds 1 just decided that 4 yo didn't wear nappies at night so on the night of his 4th birthday he went to bed without a nappy on and has been dry ever since - and no dry nappies before that.

At least he's not too odd then!

Batty, I don't know whether the hormone thing is related to gender, but I know that when DD was going to the enuresis clinic in year 3 we saw at least as many girls as boys coming and going.

With her it was mainly the hydration/bladder size issue.