Helping Your Child Overcome Bed Wetting

Practical strategies and compassionate support for parents

Bed wetting (nocturnal enuresis) is a common childhood challenge that many children outgrow naturally. While it can be frustrating for both parents and children, it's important to approach the situation with patience and understanding. This guide provides evidence-based strategies to help your child stay dry at night while maintaining their self-esteem.

Understanding Bed Wetting

Bed wetting is normal for many children, with about 15% of 5-year-olds and 5% of 10-year-olds still wetting the bed occasionally. Causes can include deep sleep patterns, slower bladder maturation, or sometimes genetics (if both parents wet the bed as children, their child has a 77% chance of doing so too).

Practical Strategies to Help Your Child

Fluid Management

Encourage regular fluid intake during the day but limit drinks 1-2 hours before bedtime. Avoid caffeine-containing drinks which can increase urine production.

Establish Routines

Create a consistent bedtime routine that includes a bathroom visit right before sleep. Consider waking your child for another bathroom trip before you go to bed.

Positive Reinforcement

Use a reward system for dry nights, but focus on effort rather than results. Celebrate small successes like remembering to use the bathroom before bed.

Protect the Bed

Use waterproof mattress covers and layer sheets (waterproof cover, sheet, another waterproof cover, sheet) for quick changes during the night.

Consider an Alarm

For children over 7, moisture alarms can be effective. These devices sense moisture and sound an alarm to wake the child when wetting begins.

Medical Consultation

If bed wetting persists or suddenly starts after a period of dryness, consult your pediatrician to rule out medical causes like UTIs or diabetes.

Do's and Don'ts

Do:

• Stay calm and patient - bed wetting is rarely intentional
• Protect your child's self-esteem - avoid punishment or shame
• Involve your child in clean-up in an age-appropriate way
• Use protective bedding to reduce stress about accidents
• Celebrate dry nights without making wet nights feel like failures

Don't:

• Punish or shame your child - this can make the problem worse
• Compare your child to siblings or peers
• Restrict fluids excessively during the day
• Wake your child multiple times at night - this disrupts sleep patterns
• Assume laziness - most children want to stay dry

When to Seek Help

Consult your pediatrician if:

• Your child is 7 years or older and still wetting the bed regularly
• Bed wetting starts suddenly after a period of dryness
• Your child experiences pain or burning during urination
• There are other symptoms like excessive thirst or snoring
• The bed wetting is causing significant emotional distress

Remember that most children outgrow bed wetting naturally. Your patience and support during this phase can make all the difference in helping your child through this challenge while maintaining their confidence and self-esteem.

© 2023 Child Bed Wetting Support Guide