Kids' Continence | A Parent's Guide
Moving On from Nappies: A Parent's Guide to Big Kid Care
Protection that looks and feels like real underwear, so your child can feel confident while their body catches up.
Somewhere between toddlerhood and the teen years, most kids leave nappies behind for good. But for plenty of children, night-time wetting or daytime leaks hang around a little longer, and that's completely normal.
Around one in five Australian children are still wetting the bed when they start school. It's not laziness, it's not naughtiness and it's never their fault. The goal now is simple: protection that feels grown-up, so your child feels confident while their body catches up.
Introducing iD Comfy Junior Pants
iD Comfy Junior Pants
Designed to look and feel like real underwear, for children experiencing night-time wetting or daytime leaks. Soft, quiet and discreet, with up to 12 hours of protection.
- 360° Comfi-Fit: soft, stretchy, breathable waistband with a lower, underwear-like rise
- Fast absorption: an upgraded channel core spreads liquid evenly to keep skin drier
- Discreet under pyjamas: quiet material that disappears under clothes and nightwear
- Anti-leak cuffs: waterproof side cuffs help stop leaks
- Odour control and a soft, cotton-feel finish
| Size | Weight | Absorbency | Per carton |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-7 years | 17-27kg | 944mL | 112 pants |
| 8-11 years | 24-47kg | 1045mL | 112 pants |
| 11-15 years | 35-55kg | 1300mL | 84 pants |
Between sizes? Go by weight first, and call our team on (02) 9531 2011 if you'd like a hand choosing.
Why wetting happens
There's rarely one single cause. Common ones include:
A sleeping brain
Some children don't yet wake to the bladder's "I'm full" signal, especially in deep sleep.
Night-time urine
Some kids don't yet make enough of the hormone that slows urine production overnight.
Constipation or infection
A full bowel presses on the bladder, and a urinary tract infection can affect bladder control.
Not drinking enough
Too little water through the day means the bladder doesn't learn to hold enough, so urges feel sudden.
Holding on
Kids who avoid the toilet, like at school, can end up with a bladder that "spills" when it's too full.
Stress and change
A new school, bullying, a new sibling or tension at home can all show up as wetting.
Children with physical disabilities may have trouble reaching the toilet in time, and conditions such as autism and Down syndrome can also play a part.
How wetting affects kids, and parents
Wetting can quietly chip away at a child's confidence. Many feel embarrassed, anxious or ashamed, and some are teased at school. It can make sleepovers and camps feel impossible.
Parents feel it too: frustration, guilt, worry that they're doing something wrong. Some start limiting sleepovers or school trips, or react with punishment. Both usually make things harder, because the child can't control it.
Three things every child needs to hear
It's not your fault. You're not alone. We love you no matter what. Saying it out loud, often, makes a real difference.
Making the move to big kid care
Moving from nappies to pants that look like underwear is a big confidence boost. Kids who feel they're wearing "baby" nappies can feel different from their friends, so protection that feels normal really matters.
-
Call them pants, not nappies
Language matters. "Night pants" or "sleep undies" feel far more grown-up.
-
Let them choose
Involve your child in picking their size or design so they feel in control.
-
Keep them with their undies
Store pants in their drawer, not in a nappy bag, so they're part of normal getting dressed.
-
Let them do it themselves
Pull-up pants mean kids can put them on and take them off independently.
-
Protect the bed too
A waterproof mattress protector means fewer late-night linen changes and less stress for everyone.
-
Keep it low-key
No big reactions to wet nights. Calm and matter-of-fact protects confidence.
Everyday habits that help
-
Drink water through the day
Around 6 to 8 glasses of water-based drinks, spread across the day, helps train the bladder. Ease off big drinks before bed.
-
Visit the toilet regularly
Aim for 4 to 7 visits a day, including one just before bed.
-
Go when you need to go
Holding on can make urges harder to control. Encourage going as soon as the urge hits.
-
Watch for constipation
Fibre, water and regular toilet time help keep the bowel from pressing on the bladder.
Free parents' guide and charts
Download the free iD Comfy Junior Parents' Guide for more tips on managing night and daytime wetting, plus a wetting tracking chart to spot patterns and a reward chart to celebrate progress. Print the charts and stick them on the fridge.
Download the Free Parents' GuideTips for time away from home
Pack a spare kit
A small pouch with spare pants, undies and clothes means there's always a back-up.
Tell a trusted adult
Let a teacher, carer or coach know quietly so they can support your child.
Have a toilet plan
Help your child come up with an easy reason to leave class for the toilet.
Bring a water bottle
A reusable bottle keeps them hydrated through the day.
When to get extra help
If wetting continues regularly past six or seven years, returns after a long dry spell, or comes with pain, daytime urgency or constipation, speak with your GP or a continence nurse.
Bedwetting alarms can help some children learn to wake to a full bladder, and medication is an option for some families. Your GP can help work out whether these suit your child.
Call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 for free, confidential advice from continence nurses.
Introducing iD Comfy Junior Pants
iD Comfy Junior Pants
Designed to look and feel like real underwear, for children experiencing night-time wetting or daytime leaks. Soft, quiet and discreet, with up to 12 hours of protection.
- 360° Comfi-Fit: soft, stretchy, breathable waistband with a lower, underwear-like rise
- Fast absorption: an upgraded channel core spreads liquid evenly to keep skin drier
- Discreet under pyjamas: quiet material that disappears under clothes and nightwear
- Anti-leak cuffs: waterproof side cuffs help stop leaks
- Odour control and a soft, cotton-feel finish
| Size | Weight | Absorbency | Per carton |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-7 years | 17-27kg | 944mL | 112 pants |
| 8-11 years | 24-47kg | 1045mL | 112 pants |
| 11-15 years | 35-55kg | 1300mL | 84 pants |
Between sizes? Go by weight first, and call our team on (02) 9531 2011 if you'd like a hand choosing.
Contact UsConfidence for every night
Shop iD Comfy Junior Pants and our full kids range, with NDIS funding supported and fast Australia-wide delivery. Questions? Call (02) 9531 2011.
Shop iD Comfy Junior Shop Kids' Range Shop Bed ProtectionThis information is general in nature and does not replace individual medical advice. Speak with your GP, paediatrician or continence nurse if you have concerns about your child's wetting.
Sources: Continence Health Australia; iD Comfy Junior product information (Ontex).
