Tips for Bedwetting

Bedwetting isn’t always a sign of a urological problem that requires surgical intervention. It is actually a common part of childhood that most of us will grow out of in our own time. However, there are a few things you can do to help your child along the way. Try the following tips to help your child stay dry through the night.

Practical Tips for Bedwetting in Children

Although it’s easy to get frustrated or to do the wrong thing on occasion, you should try to avoid:

Always include a trip to the toilet in your bedtime routine. Going to the toilet just before bed will ensure that your child’s bladder is as empty as possible when they go to sleep.

Change your child’s drinking habits. Another way to reduce the amount in your child’s bladder at bedtime is to limit their fluid intake before bed. Try to avoid giving too much to drink in the hours before they go to sleep but remember that it’s important for them to be properly hydrated. You can ensure your child is still drinking enough by giving more liquids earlier in the day. The best way to stay hydrated is to drink small amounts throughout the day. You should also watch out for caffeinated foods or drinks (including soft drinks and chocolate) as these can irritate children’s bladders.

Work on bladder control during the day. Even if your child already seems to have mastered this, it can be helpful to schedule bathroom breaks every 2-3 hours.

Wake your child up during the night to take them to the toilet. Schedule an extra bathroom break at the same time every night, before your child usually wets the bed. It’s best to do this around 90 minutes after your child fell asleep as this will fit in with their natural sleep cycle. However, it can still disrupt your child’s sleep unless they’re small enough to carry to the toilet without waking up too much.

Check for constipation. Bedwetting in children can sometimes be a sign of constipation, which can put pressure on the bladder. Adding some extra fluids and fibre to your child’s diet can help if they’re not having regular bowel movements.

Don’t Forget the Emotional Impact

The practical tips for bedwetting can help your child to stay dry, but it’s important not to ignore the emotional aspects of bedwetting. Talk to your child about the bedwetting and how they feel. Children can feel sad, embarrassed and anxious when they’re wetting the bed. Bedwetting can also be a sign that your child is worried about something, so it’s important to check that there’s no underlying cause such as stress relating to school work or friends. Being supportive can be just as important as taking practical steps to prevent bedwetting.