10 Useful Tips To Overcome Bedwetting

Children are physically unable to exert complete control over their bladders until they are around 3 years of age. If your child suddenly decides to be completely dry, as some parents claim, at the age of 2 years then be astounded because this certainly isn’t the norm!

In fact, some children are still not completely dry at night until the age of 6 and this is perfectly normal, with boys often being slower to gain total control than girls.

Although it is normal for small children to continue to need nappies after the age of three, some parents do still feel pressure to try and get their little ones dry. Here are a few tips to help with the transition from wet to dry:

 

Be Supportive

Remember that your child doesn’t wet the bed in order to irritate you. Rather than put pressure on your child, continue to use pull-ups at night until they are completely ready to become nappy free.

 

Sudden Recurrence

A child who has previously been consistently dry at night may revert back to bedwetting. Two common causes are either bladder infection or stress and anxiety. Change such as recently moving home or the arrival of a new baby can be sufficient to trigger an issue for some children. If this isn’t the case, a quick chat with your GP is advisable to rule out any health issue.

 

Simple Solutions

If your child is keen to ditch the night time nappy a little extra support can help:

• Cut down on drinks just before bedtime.
• Visit the bathroom just before going to sleep.
• Make sure your child has access to the bathroom during the night. A night light will help light the way.
• In case of the odd accident use a waterproof sheet on the bed.
• Be supportive if accidents happen and congratulatory with success.

 

Praise and Reward

Some people find that Star Charts and small rewards can aid dry nights. However, if the child is not capable of controlling their bladder this can also put too much stress on them.

 

Avoid Constant Toileting

Resist the urge to get your child up multiple times to use the bathroom. Disturbed sleep will actually make their sleep deeper and make it less likely they will know when to wake themselves up. Toileting once a night should be sufficient and is most appropriate when you take yourself to bed.

 

 

Sleepover Stress

If your child is invited to a sleepover with a friend but worried about wetting the bed, take a few precautions to ease their mind:

• Remind them of the usual steps at home, i.e. fewer drinks in the evening and using the bathroom before bedtime.
• Give them absorbent underwear to wear discretely and extra nightclothes just in case there is an accident.
• Taking a sleeping bag with waterproof lining may also help with reassurance.
• Have a quick chat with the parent beforehand so they are aware of your usual nighttime routine and also how you handle any accidents.

 

Be Patient

Even if your child is approaching an age when you believe they should now be dry (remember 6 years is normal) getting cross will not help.

• Don’t discuss bedwetting in front of other people – shame won’t make your child dry whereas embarrassment and stress will make matters worse.
• Remind yourself that bedwetting eventually does stop.

 

Avoid Sibling Teasing At Home

Don’t allow siblings to target each other over bedwetting.

• Teasing will only cause further stress and upset.
• Explain to siblings that bedwetting is something their brother/sister doesn’t have control over and that love and support will help more.

 

Bullying At School

If your child is being bullied at school over bedwetting talk to the school and your child.

• Make sure your child knows it’s not their fault.
• Make sure your child is bathed thoroughly each day.
• Work with the school to find out how and why other children are making these assertions.

 

When To Seek Medical Advice

As previously mentioned a recurrence of bedwetting after a prolonged absence may indicate a urine/bladder infection and require medication.

• Unless there is some obvious reason, medical intervention is unnecessary until your child reaches at least 6 years of age.
• There may still not be a medical reason but a GP appointment should put your mind at rest.
• Health visitors may be able to offer support with devices such as an alarm which sounds when wet. Over a period of time this may help your child to learn to wake up when they need to use the bathroom.

 

Some children do take longer than others when learning to control their bodily functions and getting uptight if your child seems slower than you would prefer is likely to cause more harm than good. Always remember two things, a) Children don’t deliberately soil themselves just to irritate and b) its perfectly normal for a child to wet the bed up to around six years of age.