Summer camp question - wearing pull-ups at nighttime?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One of my twins was in that same boat. He was 7 and in night pants. He brought light pajamas that were long loose pants and short-sleeve short. He went to the bathroom and went to a stall to change. The long loose pants did not show the pull-up as much. But, that was only a 1-night camp (it was a daycamp and the last night was an overnight). After that, he "decided" he was ready to be night-time train and about 2 months later, he had all dry nights and was able to chuck the night pants.

This was after his twin brother was night trained around age 5. This twin (the one that took longer) hates change and fights change until he is ready to do it himself.

Bit of a specific question! But, are you able to *hear* the pull-up, if they're wearing it under loose pants? Do they sort of bulge out like a diaper would under PJ's..?

...and a final question, but do you have any suggestions on a brand/kind of night pant we should be buying? I have zero experience with shopping for something like this.

Greatly appreciate it! Sorry for all the questions!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One of my twins was in that same boat. He was 7 and in night pants. He brought light pajamas that were long loose pants and short-sleeve short. He went to the bathroom and went to a stall to change. The long loose pants did not show the pull-up as much. But, that was only a 1-night camp (it was a daycamp and the last night was an overnight). After that, he "decided" he was ready to be night-time train and about 2 months later, he had all dry nights and was able to chuck the night pants.

This was after his twin brother was night trained around age 5. This twin (the one that took longer) hates change and fights change until he is ready to do it himself.

Bit of a specific question! But, are you able to *hear* the pull-up, if they're wearing it under loose pants? Do they sort of bulge out like a diaper would under PJ's..?

...and a final question, but do you have any suggestions on a brand/kind of night pant we should be buying? I have zero experience with shopping for something like this.

Greatly appreciate it! Sorry for all the questions!

No, you hear the nightpants rubbing against the tighter pajamas like this:


My son wore looser pants like this:



And under the loose pants, they don't rub as much and you don't hear them. Plus, the looser pants don't show the pull ups.

As for which ones to get, you have to experiment with which ones fit your child better. Each child's body is shaped slightly different and different brands will fit better for each child. We had the best luck with Target's Up-N-Up NIghttime Underwear (in the purple box). Some others like the Good Nites, but the Good Nites seem to be padded a little thicker and are more likely to show under the pants. If your nephew is a heavy bedwetter, then you want the Good Nites for the extra padding and absorbency. If a lighter wetter, then you can go with the Target ones which are a little thinner and less likely to show under the baggy pajama pants. But I would suggest that you get some smaller packs of the different brands to try out at home and see which ones look better, fit better and absorb the appropriate amount. You just really have to experiment to find the brand that works best for you and your nephew.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One of my twins was in that same boat. He was 7 and in night pants. He brought light pajamas that were long loose pants and short-sleeve short. He went to the bathroom and went to a stall to change. The long loose pants did not show the pull-up as much. But, that was only a 1-night camp (it was a daycamp and the last night was an overnight). After that, he "decided" he was ready to be night-time train and about 2 months later, he had all dry nights and was able to chuck the night pants.

This was after his twin brother was night trained around age 5. This twin (the one that took longer) hates change and fights change until he is ready to do it himself.

Bit of a specific question! But, are you able to *hear* the pull-up, if they're wearing it under loose pants? Do they sort of bulge out like a diaper would under PJ's..?

...and a final question, but do you have any suggestions on a brand/kind of night pant we should be buying? I have zero experience with shopping for something like this.

Greatly appreciate it! Sorry for all the questions!

No, you hear the nightpants rubbing against the tighter pajamas like this:


My son wore looser pants like this:



And under the loose pants, they don't rub as much and you don't hear them. Plus, the looser pants don't show the pull ups.

As for which ones to get, you have to experiment with which ones fit your child better. Each child's body is shaped slightly different and different brands will fit better for each child. We had the best luck with Target's Up-N-Up NIghttime Underwear (in the purple box). Some others like the Good Nites, but the Good Nites seem to be padded a little thicker and are more likely to show under the pants. If your nephew is a heavy bedwetter, then you want the Good Nites for the extra padding and absorbency. If a lighter wetter, then you can go with the Target ones which are a little thinner and less likely to show under the baggy pajama pants. But I would suggest that you get some smaller packs of the different brands to try out at home and see which ones look better, fit better and absorb the appropriate amount. You just really have to experiment to find the brand that works best for you and your nephew.

Exactly what I was wondering! Thanks!!

He primarily wears the tighter fitting PJs, or more recently the looser PJ shorts. But, in the interest of being discreet, I could 100% buy him some of these looser fitting kind and explain things somewhat. In fact he already has some...but I'm fairly certain they're probably too small, and would be especially so if he's wearing a pull-up underneath.

Generally, I'd say he's a heavy wetter. Which stinks, because we actually LOVE Target...Camp is a bit tricky, because--in general--I've noticed he tends to wet more frequently when he's overly tired. Which I'm sure he will be at the end of the day at camp.

That's a fantastic idea to try out each in a trial run first...that will be on my 'to-do' list for tomorrow. Thank you!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Exactly what I was wondering! Thanks!!

He primarily wears the tighter fitting PJs, or more recently the looser PJ shorts. But, in the interest of being discreet, I could 100% buy him some of these looser fitting kind and explain things somewhat. In fact he already has some...but I'm fairly certain they're probably too small, and would be especially so if he's wearing a pull-up underneath.

Generally, I'd say he's a heavy wetter. Which stinks, because we actually LOVE Target...Camp is a bit tricky, because--in general--I've noticed he tends to wet more frequently when he's overly tired. Which I'm sure he will be at the end of the day at camp.

That's a fantastic idea to try out each in a trial run first...that will be on my 'to-do' list for tomorrow. Thank you!!

You're welcome. It's hard enough being a kid who is a late night-trainer without having to miss out on fun things. I think it's fine to send him with the appropriate precautions. And as long as he understands. My son absolutely wanted to go and he was prepared for kidding if the other kids saw his pull-ups, but he said no one even noticed. And in the morning, he just went back up to the bathroom to change and was able to dump the pull up into the big trash can without anyone else the wiser. He said at night, he waited until it was dark and they had started the campfire (a fire in the middle of summer, ugh!) and the other kids were just so excited to melt marshmallows and make s'mores that no one paid much attention in the dark. In the morning, the kids were excited for the big pancake breakfast and doing their own morning routines.

So as long as your nephew has a plan, he should be okay. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Exactly what I was wondering! Thanks!!

He primarily wears the tighter fitting PJs, or more recently the looser PJ shorts. But, in the interest of being discreet, I could 100% buy him some of these looser fitting kind and explain things somewhat. In fact he already has some...but I'm fairly certain they're probably too small, and would be especially so if he's wearing a pull-up underneath.

Generally, I'd say he's a heavy wetter. Which stinks, because we actually LOVE Target...Camp is a bit tricky, because--in general--I've noticed he tends to wet more frequently when he's overly tired. Which I'm sure he will be at the end of the day at camp.

That's a fantastic idea to try out each in a trial run first...that will be on my 'to-do' list for tomorrow. Thank you!!

You're welcome. It's hard enough being a kid who is a late night-trainer without having to miss out on fun things. I think it's fine to send him with the appropriate precautions. And as long as he understands. My son absolutely wanted to go and he was prepared for kidding if the other kids saw his pull-ups, but he said no one even noticed. And in the morning, he just went back up to the bathroom to change and was able to dump the pull up into the big trash can without anyone else the wiser. He said at night, he waited until it was dark and they had started the campfire (a fire in the middle of summer, ugh!) and the other kids were just so excited to melt marshmallows and make s'mores that no one paid much attention in the dark. In the morning, the kids were excited for the big pancake breakfast and doing their own morning routines.

So as long as your nephew has a plan, he should be okay. Good luck!

I got an email from the camp we're looking at just this past weekend saying all campfires have been suspended for this season! Which is a bit baffling, but...I agree, the idea of being around a fire in this weather sounds like something I'd be glad to be missing. They're still going to be doing camp songs etc before bedtime it sounds like however.

I actually talked with my nephew about this earlier today, and he was insistent that he very much wanted to go still even if it meant bringing the pull ups. Ironically, he's more concerned about the PJ's he's going to wear OVER them, than actually wearing a pull-up at all. (I just ordered the Goodnites in small/medium size for him.

I'm debating still what (if anything) to say to him about drinks in the evening. My first thought was to ask him to limit drinking anything later in the day, like we do at home--but a family member just pointed out that, due to the heat...and how much he'll be running around in general at camp, it's probably not a great idea to encourage him to not be drinking water.

I guess we'll see. This will be our first time trying the 'disposable' pull ups, so I'll do my best to give them a real test run before we decide on anything for certain.

[Anonymous]

If you're concerned about the sound they make under his pajamas, you may want to look into trying 'Underjams'. They're Pampers version of a nighttime pull up for bigger kids, we always found them to be much less noticeable than the Goodnites. Although, if I remember right, they do tend to swell up more than the Goodnites do when wet.

My LO doesnt wear them them anymore if we're at home, but still wears one when staying the night at his grandmas. We very rarely had leaks, and he was a heavy wetter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why not send him to day camp?

This is just needlessly creating a problem.

+1. Do you not like this child or something? Why would you put him in that situation of needing to wear diapers in front of other 8 year olds?

I love this child dearly. He's been through a lot, in the past few months, and I (gladly) adjusted my entire life to be there for him.

The idea of going to an overnight camp was *his* idea, and something he's been asking about non-stop for a while now. He's very confident, and independent for his age, and it well aware of what this would mean. We're not asking him to wear 'diapers' in front of kids, they're pull-ups. And, once again--this was/is something he is completely on board with.

We do not have experience with using disposable pull-ups at home while he with us. He wears something called 'Super Undies' while here, which are similar nighttime washable cloth training pants.

All I was asking with this thread is how discreet the disposable 'big kid' nighttime pull-ups (Good nights, a PP called them?) are, and if they'd be an OK option for him to wear around other kids. Are they comfortable? Do they hold a lot of pee?

This child is not the type to fall to pieces over other kids finding out he's wearing something at night. To be blunt, he's dealt with enough hardship in the past year that I doubt that would be a major deal to him at all--however it is something we'd like to avoid, if possible.

Appreciate everyone's input once again!

He is 7 and your are an adult. 7 yr olds want things all the time that as adults we realize are not the best for them. Sending a child who has had the trauma of being removed from their own home and sent to live with someone else is very difficult. Don’t send him to overnight camp. If he is going to spend any length of time with you like the next few years, then you need to take the time this summer to spend lots of time with him one on one and as a family. Get counseling from someone who deals with children who have been in these traumatic situations. Find a counselor by doing lots of research for one who specializes and call a few an interview them. And for the love of God, do not say “he”s fine! he is doing great and he has adapted so well!” You are kidding yourself and this will come back to bite you in a very short time.

You can do all things and send him to sleepaway camp if that's something he's been really looking forward to and wanting to do for years

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry I feel like al the camp people that have chimed in have no idea what goes on between the kids all day. It is like the glossy brochure where everyone is always happy, the sky is always blue, and the friendships last a life time.

I spent 15 summers at camp, the last three years as Director, but sure, you know so much more about what goes on than I do.

9 summers as a camper/CIT plus sibblings at camp plus 2 kids going to.camp so yes I know a bit about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why not send him to day camp?

This is just needlessly creating a problem.

+1. Do you not like this child or something? Why would you put him in that situation of needing to wear diapers in front of other 8 year olds?

I love this child dearly. He's been through a lot, in the past few months, and I (gladly) adjusted my entire life to be there for him.

The idea of going to an overnight camp was *his* idea, and something he's been asking about non-stop for a while now. He's very confident, and independent for his age, and it well aware of what this would mean. We're not asking him to wear 'diapers' in front of kids, they're pull-ups. And, once again--this was/is something he is completely on board with.

We do not have experience with using disposable pull-ups at home while he with us. He wears something called 'Super Undies' while here, which are similar nighttime washable cloth training pants.

All I was asking with this thread is how discreet the disposable 'big kid' nighttime pull-ups (Good nights, a PP called them?) are, and if they'd be an OK option for him to wear around other kids. Are they comfortable? Do they hold a lot of pee?

This child is not the type to fall to pieces over other kids finding out he's wearing something at night. To be blunt, he's dealt with enough hardship in the past year that I doubt that would be a major deal to him at all--however it is something we'd like to avoid, if possible.

Appreciate everyone's input once again!

He is 7 and your are an adult. 7 yr olds want things all the time that as adults we realize are not the best for them. Sending a child who has had the trauma of being removed from their own home and sent to live with someone else is very difficult. Don’t send him to overnight camp. If he is going to spend any length of time with you like the next few years, then you need to take the time this summer to spend lots of time with him one on one and as a family. Get counseling from someone who deals with children who have been in these traumatic situations. Find a counselor by doing lots of research for one who specializes and call a few an interview them. And for the love of God, do not say “he”s fine! he is doing great and he has adapted so well!” You are kidding yourself and this will come back to bite you in a very short time.

You can do all things and send him to sleepaway camp if that's something he's been really looking forward to and wanting to do for years

He is 7 - how many years has he even been aware of sleep away camp 😂?

It’s really sad that OP will put all this effort into pull ups but not therapy for herself so she can better parent this child and searching out help
for the child. No therapist who routinely works with children from these situations would recommended sleep away summer camp for a 7 yr old. And the insistence on going, the insistence of not caring about anything and a general I can take of myself attitude he has is a major red flag. It shows lack of trust in adults and feelings of only being able to trust and rely on himself. I bet he isn't worried about kids making fun of him bc in his mind he is thinking he will just hurt them in some way to get back at them. He is not going to approach a counselor for help first. Most attached normal 7 yr olds would be anxious in this situation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why not send him to day camp?

This is just needlessly creating a problem.

+1. Do you not like this child or something? Why would you put him in that situation of needing to wear diapers in front of other 8 year olds?

I love this child dearly. He's been through a lot, in the past few months, and I (gladly) adjusted my entire life to be there for him.

The idea of going to an overnight camp was *his* idea, and something he's been asking about non-stop for a while now. He's very confident, and independent for his age, and it well aware of what this would mean. We're not asking him to wear 'diapers' in front of kids, they're pull-ups. And, once again--this was/is something he is completely on board with.

We do not have experience with using disposable pull-ups at home while he with us. He wears something called 'Super Undies' while here, which are similar nighttime washable cloth training pants.

All I was asking with this thread is how discreet the disposable 'big kid' nighttime pull-ups (Good nights, a PP called them?) are, and if they'd be an OK option for him to wear around other kids. Are they comfortable? Do they hold a lot of pee?

This child is not the type to fall to pieces over other kids finding out he's wearing something at night. To be blunt, he's dealt with enough hardship in the past year that I doubt that would be a major deal to him at all--however it is something we'd like to avoid, if possible.

Appreciate everyone's input once again!

He is 7 and your are an adult. 7 yr olds want things all the time that as adults we realize are not the best for them. Sending a child who has had the trauma of being removed from their own home and sent to live with someone else is very difficult. Don’t send him to overnight camp. If he is going to spend any length of time with you like the next few years, then you need to take the time this summer to spend lots of time with him one on one and as a family. Get counseling from someone who deals with children who have been in these traumatic situations. Find a counselor by doing lots of research for one who specializes and call a few an interview them. And for the love of God, do not say “he”s fine! he is doing great and he has adapted so well!” You are kidding yourself and this will come back to bite you in a very short time.

You can do all things and send him to sleepaway camp if that's something he's been really looking forward to and wanting to do for years

He is 7 - how many years has he even been aware of sleep away camp 😂?

It’s really sad that OP will put all this effort into pull ups but not therapy for herself so she can better parent this child and searching out help
for the child. No therapist who routinely works with children from these situations would recommended sleep away summer camp for a 7 yr old. And the insistence on going, the insistence of not caring about anything and a general I can take of myself attitude he has is a major red flag. It shows lack of trust in adults and feelings of only being able to trust and rely on himself. I bet he isn't worried about kids making fun of him bc in his mind he is thinking he will just hurt them in some way to get back at them. He is not going to approach a counselor for help first. Most attached normal 7 yr olds would be anxious in this situation.

That's a whole lot of analysis based on a short internet post... you just turned this 7 year old into a bully.

[Anonymous]

To all the parents chiming in to say that it's better to have a child miss out on an experience they really want to have than to come up with a solution in partnership with the child and the camp, are you the ones raising children who will be mercilessly cruel to a child who wets the bed once in a while? Maybe you need to talk to your kids (and yourselves) about how to be kind and inclusive, and how to step in and deescalate when they see other children engaging in teasing and bullying. Just a thought.

OP, I agree with another poster who said you sound like a lovely person. Best of luck to your nephew! I'm sure he'll do great at camp.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why not send him to day camp?

This is just needlessly creating a problem.

+1. Do you not like this child or something? Why would you put him in that situation of needing to wear diapers in front of other 8 year olds?

I love this child dearly. He's been through a lot, in the past few months, and I (gladly) adjusted my entire life to be there for him.

The idea of going to an overnight camp was *his* idea, and something he's been asking about non-stop for a while now. He's very confident, and independent for his age, and it well aware of what this would mean. We're not asking him to wear 'diapers' in front of kids, they're pull-ups. And, once again--this was/is something he is completely on board with.

We do not have experience with using disposable pull-ups at home while he with us. He wears something called 'Super Undies' while here, which are similar nighttime washable cloth training pants.

All I was asking with this thread is how discreet the disposable 'big kid' nighttime pull-ups (Good nights, a PP called them?) are, and if they'd be an OK option for him to wear around other kids. Are they comfortable? Do they hold a lot of pee?

This child is not the type to fall to pieces over other kids finding out he's wearing something at night. To be blunt, he's dealt with enough hardship in the past year that I doubt that would be a major deal to him at all--however it is something we'd like to avoid, if possible.

Appreciate everyone's input once again!

He is 7 and your are an adult. 7 yr olds want things all the time that as adults we realize are not the best for them. Sending a child who has had the trauma of being removed from their own home and sent to live with someone else is very difficult. Don’t send him to overnight camp. If he is going to spend any length of time with you like the next few years, then you need to take the time this summer to spend lots of time with him one on one and as a family. Get counseling from someone who deals with children who have been in these traumatic situations. Find a counselor by doing lots of research for one who specializes and call a few an interview them. And for the love of God, do not say “he”s fine! he is doing great and he has adapted so well!” You are kidding yourself and this will come back to bite you in a very short time.

You can do all things and send him to sleepaway camp if that's something he's been really looking forward to and wanting to do for years

He is 7 - how many years has he even been aware of sleep away camp 😂?

It’s really sad that OP will put all this effort into pull ups but not therapy for herself so she can better parent this child and searching out help
for the child. No therapist who routinely works with children from these situations would recommended sleep away summer camp for a 7 yr old. And the insistence on going, the insistence of not caring about anything and a general I can take of myself attitude he has is a major red flag. It shows lack of trust in adults and feelings of only being able to trust and rely on himself. I bet he isn't worried about kids making fun of him bc in his mind he is thinking he will just hurt them in some way to get back at them. He is not going to approach a counselor for help first. Most attached normal 7 yr olds would be anxious in this situation.

My almost 7yr old is out of his mind excited to go to 10 day sleep away camp next week. He's pretty attached (esp after this past year of virtual school) so I'm not sure your theory holds much water.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To all the parents chiming in to say that it's better to have a child miss out on an experience they really want to have than to come up with a solution in partnership with the child and the camp, are you the ones raising children who will be mercilessly cruel to a child who wets the bed once in a while? Maybe you need to talk to your kids (and yourselves) about how to be kind and inclusive, and how to step in and deescalate when they see other children engaging in teasing and bullying. Just a thought.

OP, I agree with another poster who said you sound like a lovely person. Best of luck to your nephew! I'm sure he'll do great at camp.

Thank you! He's been talking about going to every family/friend or whoever that we see, he's super thrilled about getting to go--especially as we had essentially written off it happening at all in the past.

There is a chance that we'll have a sympathetic staff member on hand should she be needed--as I just found out a cousin's kid is working at the exact same camp, for at least part of the time he'd be there. Right now I'm hoping that things will be smooth sailing as a couple emails I've received from the camp seem to echo what others have posted here, that this is a fairly common occurrence for them and something they're completely able to help with.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

He is 7 - how many years has he even been aware of sleep away camp 😂?

It’s really sad that OP will put all this effort into pull ups but not therapy for herself so she can better parent this child and searching out help
for the child. No therapist who routinely works with children from these situations would recommended sleep away summer camp for a 7 yr old. And the insistence on going, the insistence of not caring about anything and a general I can take of myself attitude he has is a major red flag. It shows lack of trust in adults and feelings of only being able to trust and rely on himself. I bet he isn't worried about kids making fun of him bc in his mind he is thinking he will just hurt them in some way to get back at them. He is not going to approach a counselor for help first. Most attached normal 7 yr olds would be anxious in this situation.

OP here, sorry...I don't quite follow. Why do we need a therapist to OK him going to camp? He's not 'insisting' on going...he's just asked, and been very excited about the idea of going to camp, for a very long time. He certainty *is* worried about other kids making fun of him, which is why we would rather keep the pull-ups discreet/private, if possible.

He's an incredibly caring and gentle kid, and would never in a hundred years try and 'get back' at a kid for something like that. He gets along great with other kids generally, but is otherwise usually pretty quiet and shy. Going to camp has been something that he's been asking about for well over a year now though, and we were thinking it wasn't going to happen at all this year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OMG, no!!! Your poor son will be teased mercilessly. No overnight camps or sleepovers until he’s through this phase.

Don’t do this to him, OP. Please! Things like this can scar a person for life.

+1