Sleepovers and camps

Things to consider 

When is the camp or sleepover?

Allow enough time to prepare for a camp or sleepover in the familiarity of your own home. Seek assistance with this from a health professional or contact the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 for further advice.

How old is your child and how much responsibility can they take on their own?

Some children may be able to clean up discreetly if bedwetting occurs, but you may also need to tell the adult who is supervising your child about the bedwetting so they are prepared to assist your child.

Is your child going to require protection for themselves and/or the bed? 

If so, your child will need to learn ways of using products such as bed pads which can be discreetly placed in sleeping bags. If they can manage the responsibility, teach your child how to discreetly dispose of their products in the morning For example, by setting an alarm clock earlier than others.

Does your child get up to the toilet during the night?

Make sure your child is aware that they should go to the toilet before bed and again just before sleep. During camps and sleepovers, children tend to talk for sometime after retiring and the bladder will be re-filling. Pack a night light or torch to help them go to the toilet at night.

What to pack

• Wipes for your child to maintain their hygiene after bedwetting. This will reduce body smells.
• Plastic bags to dispose of the washable or disposable products.
• Enough products for the sleepover or camp.
• Medication if required.
• Extra clothing and underwear.

Tips for supervising someone else's child with bedwetting

If you're aware that a child has a bedwetting problem, it's important to let them know that you are available to assist them and how they can access you during the night.

Prior to the camp or sleepover be aware of:

• the amount of responsibility you need to take for the child (younger children may require full assistance such as help to change bedding or pull-ups, while older children may only need assistance if they ask for it)
• how to help the child with using and disposing of products
• toileting regimes if required
• any medication the child is taking and its side effects
• other management strategies that may be required.

It is very important to remember how sensitive this issue is to children. Be careful to always respect their privacy. Never discuss the bedwetting with other people or your own children unless you have been given permission to do so by the parent and the child.