Ah, the blessed childhood tradition of wetting the bed. Is it driving you to drink, too?

Now, I do have friends whose kids at the uncanny age of 2 decided one night that they were just done with diapers. Those littles are miraculously dry EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT. But that’s definitely not my life.

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Wetting the bed til age 9 is basically a thing in my family. So night-training my own kids anytime soon is like asking me to capture a unicorn. Ain’t happening, y’all. Sure, I could wake them up at 10pm and escort them to the bathroom every night. But I’d rather they sleep.

One of these days their brains will be ready to make them get up and go. Until then, it’s heavy-duty night diapers for us!

Besides, the pediatrician told me not even to bother throwing out the diapers til the boys were dry every night for two weeks straight. Occasionally, we get a 3-day streak.

Dr. Kevin Lemon, author of Have a New Kid by Friday, offers more reassuring words: “As the wise saying goes, ‘This too shall pass.’ Bed-wetting will stop by high school. I guarantee it. In the meantime, just use rubber sheets and install gutters on the bed!”

Like I said, I assume my kids will be donning night-time armor for years to come.

Meanwhile, I’ve learned a couple tricks so I can cope. And these will make YOUR LIFE easier, too. Are you ready?

Tips and tricks

Here’s how to handle the whole midnight wet-bed fun.

1. You need supplies

The following items are a must: a large, cloth (reusable) waterproof pad and a large, fleece blanket.

If your kiddos are still into diapers, you’ll need extra strength ones – I LOVE the Target up & up brand’s nighttime underwear. (They are the only night diapers that reliably work for my kids.)

Plus, when it’s been a 3-Big-Gulp-Slurpee-Drink kinda day, I add a SPOSIE to the mix. It’s a diaper liner for that extra leak protection: think maxie pad for the littles.

Extra pj’s are a must. Plus, an extra pillow and bedspread just in case the pee party is a bit out of control. I also recommend a red nightlight so you can be a night ninja without turning on the overhead light. (Why red? Because blue light is a bitch.)

2. You need a game plan

Before bedtime, place the waterproof pad under the fitted sheet in the area where leakage typically occurs. (You can buy disposable pads, but I’d rather spend my dollars on mom treats, like anything involving dark chocolate. Also, disposable equals environmental freak show.)

Keep the extra pillow, bedspread, and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, the large, fleece blanket handy.

Put your kiddo to bed. (Good luck with that.)

3. You need to take charge

Mommy, I’m wet! When your kid starts howling, spring into action. First off, change your kid’s clothes (and diaper). Wrap them in the extra bedspread to keep them warm.

Now, focus on the bed situation. Throw the ultra soft, fleece blanket onto the bed directly on top of the area of concern. Switch out pillows if needed.

Coax child back into bed. Tuck the extra bedspread around them, all snuggly. Dole out hugs and kisses. Bribe child to go back to sleep.

You can change the wet bed sheets in the morning. Or, hell, just prop them up to air out and dry. Because, let’s face it, your kid’s probably gonna wet the bed again tomorrow night and you can only handle doing laundry so many times in one week.

4. You need wine

Kidding! Maybe… Because sometimes the bedwetting can weigh you down and make you nuts. Whereas a great glass of vino can soothe the soul. Cheers!

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Photo credit: Quang Nguyen vinh from Pixabay