Best Bedwetting Underwear

Buying guide for Best bedwetting underwear

Almost every child wets the bed at some point, but when bedwetting becomes a nightly struggle, parents and children are often left feeling helpless and frustrated. While regular bedwetting can be a challenging experience, the good news is that most children eventually outgrow bedwetting all by themselves. In the meantime, there are plenty of tools that can make your journey a little easier, including bedwetting underwear.

Bedwetting underwear is designed to absorb and contain urine to help keep your child's sheets and pajamas dry throughout the night. The underwear comes in sizes for all ages, and some styles even fit just like regular underwear.

However, finding the best bedwetting underwear isn't always easy. Absorbency can vary dramatically, and what's comfortable for one child might not be ideal for another. You'll also have a choice between washable bedwetting underwear and disposables.

If you need help finding a good fit, you've come to the right place. Our in-depth guide has everything you need to know about bedwetting underwear.

If your child wets the bed nightly, you're certainly not alone. As many as 7,000,000 children in the United States regularly wet their beds. In most cases, it’s nothing to worry about and is considered a normal part of child development up until the age of seven.

Key considerations

Reusable vs. disposable

Bedwetting underwear is available in two basic styles: reusable and disposable. Let's take a look at each.

Reusable: This type of bedwetting underwear closely resembles real underwear and can be ideal for older children who desire a more discreet look. While some reusable bedwetting undergarments come with absorbent pads already sewn into the fabric, others feature a pocket that's designed to hold a separate insert.

Disposable: Also known as pull-up underwear, disposable bedwetting pants generally have a highly absorbent core with an elasticated waistband and form-fitting leg openings to help prevent leaks. As a single-use option, disposables won't add to your laundry load.

Absorbency

Not all bedwetting underwear absorbs the same amount of fluid. Disposables tend to be more absorbent than their reusable counterparts and so are often recommended for heavy wetters and deep sleepers. However, if your child is reluctant to use pull-up underwear, a booster pad can help increase the absorbency of reusable underwear. On average, disposable bedwetting pants can hold up to 33 ounces (1,100 milliliters) of urine, while reusable models typically absorb anywhere between 4.5 to 13.5 ounces (150 ml to 450 ml) of liquid.

Size and fit

Bedwetting underwear comes in all different sizes. Choosing an appropriate option is key to both comfort and efficacy. While manufacturer guidelines can be a helpful starting point, every child's body is unique. Taking your child's measurements and comparing these to a sizing chart can go a long way toward ensuring a good fit.

Comfort

Uncomfortable bedwetting underwear can cause a lot of tossing, turning, and complaining, and spirited kids might even take their undies off once your back is turned. Soft, stretchy materials, a slim design, and a good fit can all boost wearer comfort. However, physical comfort isn't the only factor worth considering. When it comes to older kids and teenagers, emotional comfort is just as important, if not more so. A low-profile option that doesn't crinkle and crackle with every movement can help older children feel more confident while wearing bedwetting underwear.

Features

Waterproof cover

Even the best bedwetting underwear can leak when soaked. Leaks are particularly likely to occur with heavy sleepers who may not always get up to change after urinating. Many bedwetting undergarments feature a breathable, waterproof outer layer to help keep leaks to a minimum.

Secure openings

Large volumes of liquid can sometimes take a minute or two to be fully absorbed, regardless of the underwear's materials. A snug waist and contouring leg openings can help keep urine from seeping out.

Removable pads

Some reusable bedwetting underwear is designed work with fully removable absorbent pads. While these are usually intended to hold proprietary disposable pads, many parents have success using similarly sized reusable pads. Having the option to choose your preferred pad type is undeniably convenient and allows you to experiment with different pad materials and styles until you find something that works.

Gender-specific bedwetting underwear isn't simply a marketing ploy. While most girls tend to do fine with uniform protection throughout, boys often require extra absorbency in the front.

Accessories

These accessories can make bedwetting a bit more manageable.

Booster pads: Select Kids Sposie Booster Pads
Placing a booster pad inside bedwetting underwear will increase absorbency and can help prevent leaks. Booster pads are available in both disposable and reusable form. These 90 disposable Sposie pads are hypoallergenic and adhesive-free for comfort.

Bedwetting pads: Medocare Bedwetting Underpads
Bedwetting pads consist of a soft upper layer and a waterproof backing and are designed to fit over mattresses and sheets to help keep bedding dry. These two soft pads from Medocare can be washed and reused,

Enzymatic cleaner: Mister Max Anti-Icky-Poo Enzymatic Cleaner
Odors and stains go hand in hand with bedwetting and often persist even after washing underwear, pajamas, and bedding. An enzymatic cleaner, like this environmentally friendly option from Mister Max, actively breaks down urine molecules to eliminate both stains and odors.

Bedwetting underwear prices

Inexpensive

Disposable bedwetting underwear starts at around $20 to $25, with package counts that range anywhere from 38 to 50, depending on size. Despite being somewhat bulky, many disposables in this price range are highly effective.

Mid-range

Slimmer disposables with dependable absorbency typically cost anywhere from $25 to $45 for 34 to 58 units, depending on size.

Expensive

Reusable bedwetting underwear tends to be the most expensive. Prices start at approximately $45 for a double pack of undies that are designed to work with disposable/removable pads. You’ll pay $45 to $50 for a single pair of underwear that comes with a built-in reusable pad.

Tips

• Check that a bedwetting alarm is compatible with the underwear before buying. Bell and pad bedwetting alarms are unlikely to work unless your child's bedwetting underwear leaks, and clip-on sensors might not have a chance to sense moisture before it's absorbed. If you're hoping to use bedwetting underwear in conjunction with an alarm, it might be necessary for your child to use a bedwetting alarm with a pull-up-friendly sensor that can be placed inside the underwear.
• Use a booster pad for added protection. If your child is a heavy wetter, placing a booster pad inside the bedwetting underwear can work wonders.
• Protect your mattresses. Leaks can and do happen. Waterproof sheets, reusable bedwetting pads, and mattress protectors can help save your mattresses.
• Involve your child in the selection process. Allowing your child to choose a favorite style, design, or color can provide a sense of independence and empowerment that helps boost acceptance.

While bedwetting is rarely a cause for concern, it's always best to consult a doctor to rule out the possibility of an underlying condition.

FAQ

Q. Will bedwetting underwear help stop bedwetting?

A. While bedwetting underwear can help keep your child's bedding and pajamas dry, it isn't intended to be a cure or even a treatment for bedwetting. If bedwetting is an ongoing problem and your child is over seven years old, we advise discussing treatment options with your doctor.

Q. Can a teenager use adult bedwetting underwear?

A. If your child is big enough to fit into adult-sized bedwetting or incontinence underwear, there's absolutely no reason not to use it. Smaller adult sizes are often ideal for teenagers, and many have a slimmer fit that older kids will appreciate.

Q. Is bedwetting underwear suitable for daytime use?

A. Yes. Bedwetting underwear can be used both at night and during the day. However, because bedwetting underwear is specially designed for use while lying down, many models are well padded for extra absorbency. While potty-training toddlers might not mind wearing bulkier disposable pull-up underwear, older kids dealing with incontinence often need a more discreet option. Reusable bedwetting underwear or even adult incontinence underwear can help teenagers go about their day with confidence.