Should I Wear Diapers for Bedwetting?

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Bedwetting is an issue among children, teenagers, and adults. There is a lot of stigma around bedwetting, especially for adults and teenagers, and therefore, very few people are open about it.

While parents will openly discuss the best overnight diapers for young children, it is never the case for older kids and adults. The affected suffer self-esteem and embarrassment, and the situation worsens if they do not have a support system.

While it is embarrassing to wear diapers older, it is the only way to stay dry. We will discuss everything around being put in diapers for bedwetting in this post.

Put in diapers for bedwetting

Being put in diapers as a teenager or an adult helps you stay dry and does away with the stress of dealing with wet beddings and mattresses. It might sound like a degrading decision, but it is the perfect solution for children who cannot tackle bedwetting with an alarm and for adults suffering from loose bladder or incontinency.

Now that we are settled that diapers are the only solution, you have to choose the right diapers. There are numerous bedwetting diaper brands on the market, and choosing the best can be daunting. If you are struggling with this decision, follow us to the next section.

Factors to consider when buying bedwetting diapers

Decide between cloth and disposable diapers

Bedwetting diapers can either be disposable or cloth diapers. Cloth diapers are washable and reusable while disposable diapers are tossed to the bin after use. Disposable diapers are easy to manage, but they are costly.

On the other hand, cloth diapers will save you some cash but require washing. Deciding between cloth and disposable diapers depends on your budget, preferences, and the severity of your condition. Here are the pros and cons of both to help you decide the best one for you.

Pros of disposable diapers

Easy to wear and remove
Convenient
Readily available on the market
Perfect for traveling
Available in different sizes
More absorbed and hence keeps you dry longer

Cons of disposable diapers

Expensive in the long run
Causes diaper rash and allergic reactions
Some have preservatives that can be harmful
Harmful to the environment because they are non-biodegradable

Pros of cloth diapers

More soothing to the bum
Cheaper
They appear as normal underwear. Therefore, they are good for adults and teens who want to conceal their bedwetting problems
Preserves the environment because of reduced waste to throw

Cons of cloth diapers

They require frequent changes
Causes diaper rash
They cannot be used when traveling
Difficult to maintain because of the need for everyday washing

You can choose to wear cloth or disposable diapers depending on the situation. For instance, disposable diapers are the best if you are traveling, out on a sleepover, or during the warm months.

On the other hand, cloth diapers are the best for people who cannot afford disposable diapers. If you consider fully investing in cloth diapers, consider alternating between cloth and disposable diapers to reduce the wear and tear from washing cloth diapers.

Read also Put in diapers at school

Purchase the right diaper size

It is very important to purchase fitting diapers. A diaper that is too loose is not effective because it will leak, while a tight diaper is very comfortable. Most diaper brands use weight and waist range to size their diapers, making it easy to purchase the right size. The right weight, waist, and hip measurements lead you to a comfortable fit.

Ask for samples

If you want to stock in bulk, it is advisable to purchase a few pieces and sample them out first. Most manufacturers understand the need to test the effectiveness of diapers and therefore offer samples for free or at a subsidized price. By the end of sampling, you will have determined the best diaper for you or for your child.

Familiarize yourself with terminologies used to refer to adult diapers

Bedwetting diapers for adults and older children are mostly advertised using terms like disposable briefs, adult diapers, and pull-ups, among others. Also, contact the customer care of the store you are buying from for any questions. What’s more, always lean on bedwetting diapers from reputable diaper brands like Huggies, Pampers, and Luvs, among others.

Buy other diapering supplies

Depending on which diapers you choose to go with, there are other supplies you must purchase. If you decide to wear cloth diapers, you will need waterproof pants and fastening safety pins.

What’s more, diaper rash products, wipes, and a waterproof mattress protector are a must whether you are using disposable or cloth diapers.

Check for diaper rash

Diaper rash is a common side effect of wearing diapers irrespective of age. Therefore it is important to look for diaper rash signs and treat them immediately. Suppose left untreated diaper rash turns out to be very painful and uncomfortable. Other than investing in diaper rash creams, hygiene is paramount.

How to encourage older kids to wear bedwetting diapers

While some older kids willingly stick to diapers, it is a daunting task to convince an older kid or a teenager who is no longer in diapers to start wearing them again.

As already stated, bed wetting lowers self-esteem, and asking the same kid to wear diapers makes them feel more helpless. If you are struggling with a child who refuses to get back to diapers, the tips below will help you talk them into it.

Communication is key

As a parent with a bedwetting kid, buying diapers is the best choice you can make for them. While you think that they should do what you say, older kids are more interested in understanding your choices for them. Therefore, take your time and explain to your child why they have to start wearing diapers again. Be patient and use a language they can understand.

Explain that it is not a punishment

Most children view wearing diapers as a punishment. Therefore, you should assure them that the diapers should keep them dry and more comfortable at night and not punish them. Explain the importance of goodnight sleep and how a wet bed interferes with their sleep. The bottom line is, let them view wearing diapers as a solution and not a punishment.

Listen to them

Take time to listen to why your child is refusing to wear diapers. Their reasons might not be major to you, but they are valid. Some will say that they are embarrassed or uncomfortable. Whatever the reason, listen, validate and ask what you can do to make them feel better.

Teach them how to diaper themselves

If your child is able, let them take the responsibility of putting on and changing the diapers. Teach them when to change the diapers and the importance of hygiene. Remember to encourage and reward them through the process.

When to stop putting diapers on a bedwetting child

There are a lot of myths and theories around when a bedwetting child should be weaned off diapers. You must have heard of the myth that diapers make bedwetting worse. Other people suggest that you change from disposable diapers to cloth diapers so that the kids get a different feeling and wake up to pee.

The right time to wean off bedwetting diapers depends on their condition and readiness. If your child walks to you and says they no longer want the diaper, give them a chance without worrying about the sheets and mattress. A waterproof mattress cover should help you with this.

Also, contact your doctor. Chronic bedwetting is a rampant condition, and the doctor can give you medications or tips on how to deal with it.

Are adult diapers different from kid diapers?

Yes, diapers made for adults are slightly different from kid diapers in terms of size and absorption. Adult diapers are designed to carry more urine, and therefore, they are more absorbed and, of course, large. Below are some unique features of adult bed wetting diapers?

Waterproof briefs are nylon; they are more absorbed and look like regular underwear. Also, they are washable and reusable, saving you a lot of cash.
Booster pads for women look like sanitary towels and should be worn beneath the underwear. Also, they are easy to dispose of and very discreet. On the downside, though, they are low absorbed and require frequent changes.
Adult bedwetting diapers also feature pull-ups, which have the highest absorbency. If you are dealing with very low bladder control, invest in adult pull-up diapers.

Read also Diaper dependence training

FAQ on put in diapers for bedwetting

Do diapers prolong bedwetting?

Diapers can prolong bedwetting for a child because the issue is taken care of at the back of their mind. Therefore, consider stopping your child from wearing diapers when joining school. However, this does not apply to kids diagnosed with chronic bedwetting.