When a child wets the bed beyond the toddler years, many parents start searching for answers — and practical solutions — fast. One of the most common questions Australian families ask is:

What are the best pull-ups for bedwetting?

The answer isn’t as simple as choosing the most absorbent option on the shelf. Bedwetting in older children is different from early toilet training, and the right pull-ups need to match how, when, and why accidents happen.

This guide explains what Australian parents should look for in pull-ups for bedwetting, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to choose options that support comfort, confidence, and dry nights.

Quick Answer: What Are the Best Pull-Ups for Bedwetting?

The best pull-ups for bedwetting are designed for overnight use, with higher absorbency, a secure leg fit, and sizing suitable for older children. In Australia, parents often choose pull-ups made specifically for bedwetting rather than standard training pants designed for toddlers.

Still unsure what’s normal? In this short video, a nurse answers the most common questions parents ask about leaks, bedwetting, and what’s typical at different ages.

Bedwetting in Older Children: Why It’s Different

Bedwetting (also called nocturnal enuresis) is common in school-aged children and doesn’t mean a child is lazy, regressing, or doing something wrong [1.] 

In Australia:

• Many children continue bedwetting into primary school
• Some children are deep sleepers and don’t wake to bladder signals
• Others produce more urine overnight
• Neurodevelopmental factors can also play a role
  

Some children are deep sleepers and don’t wake to bladder signals, while others produce more urine overnight [2]. 

Because of this, bedwetting solutions need to be different from toilet training products.

Why Regular Training Pants Often Don’t Work

Many parents start with standard pull-ups or training pants, only to find they leak overnight. This usually happens because:

• Training pants are designed for small daytime accidents
• They prioritise thinness over absorbency
• They are sized for toddlers, not older kids
• They don’t hold up during long overnight wear

This is why choosing the right type of pull-up matters more than simply “sizing up.”

How to Choose the Best Pull-Ups for Bedwetting

Choosing the best pull-ups for bedwetting comes down to three things: overnight absorbency, correct fit, and age-appropriate sizing. Pull-ups designed for older children are more effective than toddler training pants because they’re built for longer wear and heavier wetting.

What to Look for in Pull-Ups for Bedwetting

When comparing pull-ups for bedwetting in Australia, these are the key factors that matter most.

1. Overnight Absorbency

Look for pull-ups designed to hold:

• larger volumes of urine
• moisture over 8–10 hours
• without leaking or sagging

Overnight products are built differently from daytime training pants.

2. Correct Fit (Not Just Size Label)

Fit is one of the most overlooked causes of leaks.

Pull-ups that are too big can:

• create gaps around the legs
• shift during sleep
• leak even if absorbency is high

Well-fitting pull-ups should:

• sit snugly at the waist
• seal gently around the legs
• stay in place overnight
  

3. Sizing for Older Children

Many Australian parents struggle to find pull-ups that:

• fit kids aged 4–12+
• don’t look like baby nappies
• allow children to feel age-appropriate

Pull-ups designed specifically for older kids help protect dignity as well as bedsheets.

4. Comfort and Skin Health

Because bedwetting pull-ups are worn for long periods:

• breathable materials matter
• soft linings reduce irritation
• bulk should be minimised without sacrificing absorbency

Comfort affects whether children will accept wearing them consistently.

Disposable vs Reusable Options: What’s Best for Bedwetting?

Disposable Pull-Ups

Often preferred for:

• heavier wetting
• deep sleepers
• convenience
• travel or sleepovers
• They provide consistent absorbency and are easy to manage overnight.

Reusable Options

Reusable night pants may suit:

• lighter wetting
• families avoiding disposables
• children who wake more easily

However, many reusable options:

• feel wet when saturated
• require boosters for heavy wetters
• may not hold up overnight for older kids

For many Australian families dealing with regular bedwetting, disposable overnight pull-ups are the most reliable starting point.

Common Mistakes Parents Make When Choosing Pull-Ups

“We’ll just size up”

Sizing up often creates leaks rather than fixing them. Fit should come before absorbency.

“Thicker means better”

Bulky pull-ups can sag and shift during sleep, increasing leaks.

“All pull-ups are the same”

Training pants, night nappies, and bedwetting pull-ups are designed for different needs.

Best Pull-Ups for Bedwetting in Australia

When Australian parents compare options, the most effective pull-ups for bedwetting usually share these features:

• specifically designed for overnight use
• higher absorbency than training pants
• sizes that fit older children
• soft, discreet feel under pyjamas
• reliable performance for deep sleepers

Some brands available in Australia focus specifically on older children who wet the bed, offering pull-ups that look and feel more like underwear while providing overnight protection.

In Australia, Nundies is one option designed specifically for older children who wet the bed. Unlike standard training pants made for toddlers, Nundies pull-ups are sized for school-aged kids and built for overnight use, with higher absorbency and a secure fit that helps reduce leaks while sleeping. Because they look and feel more like regular underwear, they can also support confidence and comfort for children who need ongoing night-time protection.

Supporting Your Child Beyond the Product

Pull-ups are a practical tool — but emotional support matters just as much.

Helpful approaches include:

• keeping language calm and shame-free
• avoiding punishment or pressure
• focusing on sleep quality and confidence
• reassuring your child that bedwetting is common

When children feel supported, they’re more likely to accept solutions that help everyone rest better.

When to Reassess Your Choice

It’s worth reviewing pull-ups if:

• leaks continue overnight
• your child grows or changes shape
• bedwetting patterns change
• comfort becomes an issue

Bedwetting solutions often need adjustment over time — and that’s normal.

The Takeaway

The best pull-ups for bedwetting in Australia aren’t just the most absorbent option on the shelf. They’re the ones that:

• fit properly
• are designed for overnight use
• suit older children
• support comfort and confidence

When pull-ups are chosen with these factors in mind, families spend less time cleaning sheets — and kids get on with being kids.