
Verified by Kimberly Langdon M.D.
Kimberly Langdon is an obstetrician/gynecologist with 19 years of clinical experience and graduated from The Ohio State University, College of Medicine.
Baby Doesn’t Have Wet Diaper Overnight – Reasons & Solutions
Waking up to your baby consistently having a dry diaper can cause concern, and it is important to get to the root cause of why this is happening. There are several reasons your baby may not have a wet diaper overnight:
Reason 1:
A health issue such as dehydration, fever, urinary tract infection, or low milk intake may be a factor or why your infant is not waking up with any liquid in their diaper.
The number of wet diapers your baby has will vary as the baby grows, leveling off after around one month. It may not be easy to tell during the first day as the contents will be very light until the full milk or formula comes through the body.
You should pay attention to any changes in breathing, heart rate, urine color, and general discomfort, as this may signify dehydration or an infection. Tracking the contents of your baby’s diaper should be done for around a month to ensure your baby is processing fluids correctly.
Reason 2:
Over time an infant’s bladder will grow, and their brain will begin to develop, which causes them to urinate less frequently throughout the night.
Babies are born with tiny bladders; from months 1-5, they will go through a significant amount of diapers. As the capacity of their bladder begins to increase, the number of diapers they use will decrease.
Up until 1-2 years old, a baby’s brain will not register having to urinate and it will happen involuntarily on reflex. As a baby grows, their brain and nervous system will begin to develop, and its bladder will start to send signals to the brain that it is full.
As a baby starts waking up less for night-time feedings, this will also cause a decrease in wet diapers. It is essential to rule out any potential health problems before coming to your own conclusion as to why your baby does not have a wet diaper overnight.
Solution 1:
The Journal of Human Lactation has done a study that shows the number of wet diapers you should expect to see during the first week of infancy.
For the first week, the number of wet diapers a baby should have corresponds to however many days old they are.
If a baby is not showing these outputs, it is important to make an appointment with your healthcare provider for them to diagnose the cause of infrequent urination.
Solution 2:
Knowing your baby’s development to ensure they are on track will help you realize whether the baby has regular, healthy diaper outputs. Implementing a routine to stay consistent will have their days and diapers looking the same from day to day, and it will be easier for you to tell if something outside the ordinary is occurring.
When should I be concerned about my baby not having a wet diaper?
With the exception of the first week, if your infant does not have at least six wet diapers per day or goes several hours without a wet diaper, it may be a sign they are not getting enough fluids. It is extremely important to be aware of your baby’s hydration status if they are also experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, as these conditions can quickly lead to dehydration.
Is it normal for a breastfed baby to go an entire night without wetting their diaper?
Breast milk is easier to digest than formula, so breastfed babies typically tend to produce fewer wet and soiled diapers than formula-fed babies. It is common for breastfed infants to go several hours, day or night, without wetting their diapers.
How often should a baby wet their diaper at night?
Each infant is different, and it is tough to compare or even say what is normal regarding wetting their diapers at night. Therefore, the primary caregivers should be aware of their baby’s overall pattern of wetting and soiling diapers rather than focusing on a specific number of diapers.
How can I tell if my baby is getting enough fluids if they’re not wetting their diaper overnight?
There are a few indicators to tell if your baby is getting enough fluids despite them not wetting their diapers overnight:
Wet Diapers during the day – If your baby produces an adequate amount of wet diapers throughout the day, it is likely they are getting enough fluids.
Color of urine – Their urine should be a pale yellow in color and relatively clear. If the urine is dark yellow or orange, this is a sign of dehydration.
Weight gain – If your baby grows at a standard rate, it is a good sign that its fluid intake is sufficient.
In conclusion, it is essential to understand that a baby not having wet diapers overnight can be caused by several different factors. Some of them may include dehydration, medical conditions, or simply the fact that the child isn’t drinking enough fluids throughout the day.
The best way to solve this problem is to ensure your baby has plenty of fluids and proper nutrition. Lastly, consult with a doctor if there is any concern.
Additionally, monitor your baby closely and keep track of how many wet diapers they have in a 24-hour period to ensure that they are getting enough fluids. With proper care and monitoring, you can help ensure the health and well-being of your little one.
Sources:
https://bonsmommy.com/baby-didnt-pee-all-night/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18281353/
https://www.parents.com/baby/health/sick-baby/dehydration-symptoms-and-treatment/
https://naturalbabylife.com/baby-dry-diaper-in-the-morning-overnight/