And a third of parents say their little one’s self-esteem has been impacted by bedwetting – but nearly half of mums and dads don’t know how to help with the issue
Wetting the bed is the top reason why young children wake up during the night – with 5% of little ones, who have this habit, doing so on a nightly basis, a study has found.
A poll of 1,000 parents, with children aged between four and 12, found that, for those who have little ones who bed wet, this typically started at the age of three.
And almost a third of those who wet the bed (31%) do so at least once a week – with 32% of mums and dads saying it has affected their child’s self-esteem.
But almost half of the parents polled (45%) have no idea how to help their youngsters manage the issue – and 36% feel like they are not doing as good a job of parenting as they should be, as a result of their child’s bedwetting.
The research found that one in four youngsters, aged four to 12, wake up once each night – while a further 28% get up at least twice during the night.
The top reason for this is due to needing the toilet, while nearly half of four- to seven-year-olds are likely to be disturbed by bad dreams (44%) – and eight- to 12-year-olds will get up to get a drink (31%).
Consequently, 29% of parents can’t remember the last time they had a full night’s sleep – but there is hope, as 65% believe their youngster has woken less as they’ve got older.
The research, commissioned by Pampers Ninjamas, also found that, four in 10 children who have wet the bed, have done so while staying at their grandparents.
This left a quarter of youngsters no longer attending sleepovers, with 19% feeling embarrassed – while 11% of the parents polled, via One Poll, felt their hosts weren’t equipped to manage bedwetting.
Pampers Ninjamas is working with paediatrician and TV presenter, Dr Ranj, to raise awareness of its educational content series, which aims to inform parents, carers, and children about why bedwetting can happen, and how to manage it.
Dr Ranj said: “We know the Easter holidays are an exciting time where families tend to get together, and sleepovers are more likely.
“This change in routine can be exciting, but also challenging for children, as fears of the unknown or unfamiliar surroundings can increase the likelihood of bedwetting.
“Furthermore, we need to help children to feel comfortable no matter where they stay, and help to breakdown bedwetting taboos across the entire family unit.”
