The Worst Advice Parents Get About Bedwetting (And What Actually Works!)
If your child is still wetting the bed, you’ve probably heard a lot of advice—from doctors, family, and even well-meaning friends. The problem? Much of it is outdated, misleading, or just plain wrong!
In fact, some of the most common bedwetting tips can actually make things worse.
Let’s break down the worst advice parents get about bedwetting—and what actually works instead!
Bad Advice #1: "Just Wait, They’ll Grow Out of It"
This is one of the most common (and frustrating) things parents hear. While some kids do naturally stop bedwetting, for many, it doesn’t just “go away.”
The reality:
50% of 10-year-olds who wet the bed still struggle with it as teenagers.
Kids who wet the bed every single night are unlikely to outgrow it quickly.
Bedwetting can last into adulthood if not properly addressed.
What actually works: Instead of waiting, take proactive steps to retrain your child’s brain and bladder. Simple changes to hydration, sleep patterns, and bladder training can make a huge difference!
Read more: [Why "Waiting It Out" Doesn’t Work for Bedwetting]
Bad Advice #2: "Don’t Let Them Drink Water Before Bed"
It makes sense, right? Less water = less pee at night. Wrong!
Here’s why restricting water is a mistake:
Dehydration can make bedwetting worse by leading to constipation—which puts extra pressure on the bladder.
A well-hydrated bladder is stronger and more flexible, making it easier to hold urine overnight.
Kids need to learn to manage their bladder with normal fluid intake, not by avoiding water.
What actually works:
Encourage regular water intake throughout the day (instead of chugging all at once).
The last drink should be 1 hour before bed—not completely cut off!
Go to the bathroom twice before bed—once when getting ready, and once right before sleep.
Bad Advice #3: "Just Wake Them Up at Night to Use the Bathroom"
Some parents are told to wake their child up once or twice a night and take them to the bathroom. This can lead to dry nights, but it doesn’t teach the child to wake up on their own.
Why this doesn’t work long-term:
It only manages bedwetting instead of fixing it.
It interrupts natural sleep cycles, making kids overtired.
The goal is for the brain to recognize bladder signals automatically—not rely on parents.
What actually works:
Instead of waking them up randomly, use a bedwetting alarm to wake them only when an accident happens.
Practice wake-up drills before bed so their brain learns to recognize the signal.
👉 Read more: [The Right (and Wrong) Way to Use a Bedwetting Alarm]
Bad Advice #4: "Bedwetting is Caused by a Small Bladder"
Doctors sometimes tell parents their child has a small bladder and needs to "grow into it." But in most cases, the bladder is not actually too small—it’s just not being used properly.
The real issue is bladder strength and tone.
If a child is holding their pee too long during the day, their bladder gets tight and weak instead of flexible. This makes it:
Harder to hold urine overnight.
Less able to stretch properly.
More likely to send weak signals to the brain.
What actually works:
Teach your child to go to the bathroom every 2-3 hours during the day (instead of holding it in too long).
Encourage water drinking to keep the bladder working properly.
If constipation is an issue, fix it! A backed-up bowel can press on the bladder, making it harder to hold pee at night.
👉 Read more: [The Most Common Cause of Bedwetting That No One Talks About]
Bad Advice #5: "Just Use Pull-Ups Until They’re Ready"
Pull-ups seem like an easy solution—less laundry, no middle-of-the-night accidents. But they can actually prolong bedwetting!
Why pull-ups don’t help:
They prevent the child from feeling wetness, which means their brain isn’t getting the signal to wake up.
Kids may rely on them instead of learning to hold it overnight.
Some kids even release urine in their sleep on purpose because they know the pull-up will catch it.
What actually works:
Ditch the pull-ups and switch to a bedwetting alarm + waterproof bed pads.
Make sure the child sleeps in underwear, so they feel when they start to wet.
If your child is afraid of wetting the bed, remind them that accidents are okay—this is just part of the process!
The Bottom Line: The Right Strategy Makes ALL the Difference!
Many common bedwetting tips are outdated or only address part of the problem.
Key Takeaways
✔ Waiting it out doesn’t work for all kids—some need active training.
✔ Hydration is key—cutting off water makes things worse.
✔ Waking them up at night doesn’t train the brain—use a bedwetting alarm instead.
✔ Bladder tone matters more than size—regular bathroom habits help.
✔ Pull-ups can delay progress—training in underwear works best.
Every child is different, but when you follow a step-by-step plan, most kids can wake up dry in just a few weeks!
That’s why I created my Time to Get Dry Program—a complete system that helps kids train their brain and body for dry nights.
I teach parents CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) techniques that help kids retrain their brain for dry nights—fast!