Bedwetting in Children: How to Protect and Clean Mattress

No matter what age your child may be, bedwetting and accidents during the night can happen. Whether they’re potty training or have a nightmare, wetting the bed is a normal part of growing up. While it may be understandable, cleaning up wet bed sheets can be a stressful task for parents. In addition, mattresses are expensive and can become stained when wet. That’s why it’s important to be prepared and invest in products that help protect mattresses.

How common is bedwetting in school-age children and teens?

Known as nocturnal enuresis, nighttime bedwetting can affect school-age children and even some teens. It can happen to around 20% of children around the age of 5 and up to 10% of children at the age of 7. It is estimated that 1% to 3% of teenagers experience occasional nighttime accidents. While bedwetting is not a serious health problem, it usually leads to embarrassment and can be frustrating for parents. The good news is that bedwetting is not a permanent issue and children usually outgrow it. 

What products help protect mattresses from bedwetting?

There are a variety of products that help protect mattresses from bedwetting. From disposable bed mats for children to waterproof mattress protectors, there are plenty of bedwetting products available to cover your needs. 

Disposable Bed Pads for Bedwetting in Children

Disposable bed mats are perfect for protecting children’s mattresses. They are soft and super absorbent with a waterproof backing that helps keep mattresses dry. Some disposable bed pads, such as SPC underpads have adhesive strips or have long sides that can be tucked in place under a twin mattress. SPC disposable bed mats are available in sizes 30 x 36 or 27 x 70, covering a large area of the bed so that all leaks are absorbed. This is especially helpful if your child moves around a lot in his or her sleep.

Using a disposable underpad makes nighttime bed changes easier and saves you a lot of time. Instead of having to put new sheets and remaking the whole bed, you can quickly swap out a wet underpad and put a dry bed mat in place. Not only are disposable bed mats good for protecting your child’s bed, they are also very useful when travelling and protecting hotel room mattresses. Spending a couple dollars on each underpad will make bedwetting a less stressful situation and help save you time when cleaning up. 

Waterproof Mattress Protectors for Bed Protection

Another product that will help protect mattresses against wetting the bed are waterproof mattress protectors. Waterproof mattress covers are great keeping mattresses dry and can be washed along with bedsheets. Mattress protectors are usually made with an absorbent waterproof layer, such as polyurethane. They are meant to be placed over a mattress and underneath a bed sheet. You can either purchase a fitted design with an elasticized skirt or one with elastic loops on each corner to tuck under the mattress. There are also vinyl mattress covers available that enclose the entire mattress via a zipper. 

Waterproof Duvet Covers for Protecting Comforters

Along with mattresses, it is also important to protect comforters from pee stains. There are waterproof duvet covers that cover comforters and are easy to wash. In addition, you can also get a waterproof top sheet and place it between your child and the comforter. While waterproof sheets are slightly thicker than normal sheets, they help keep comforters dry and make clean up easier.

How to wash bed sheets with pee stains?

To remove pee stains from bed sheets, it is recommended that you let the stained sheet soak in warm water with laundry detergent or stain remover. For a more natural alternative, you can use baking soda and pure castile soap. Do not use harsh chemicals like bleach as you want to keep your children safe. 

How to remove pee stains from a child’s mattress?

When you notice pee stains on your child’s mattress, it is best to clean it up right away to prevent it from drying. This is because urine usually leaves a musty smell that is hard to get rid of. The best way to remove pee stains from a mattress is to soak as much of the urine with a  dry cloth as possible. Then, use a different cloth to scrub the stain away with a soap, vinegar, and cold water mixture. You can apply a small amount of this mixture on the mattress and let it soak for a few minutes. The acetic acid from the vinegar should break down the urine particles and make it easier to remove the stain. You can also use a stain remover or fabric softener to make the mattress smell better. Make sure you are not getting the mattress too wet and let it dry completely before putting in a new sheet.