How to Treat Bed-Wetting

Occasional bed-wetting is normal for children. Follow these simple steps to reduce the occurrence of bed-wetting.

Difficulty:

Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Mattress Pads
• Waterproof Sheets
• Small Toys
• Stickers

1. Praise your child when he or she stays dry.

2. Reward dry nights with a sticker or small toy.

3. Try bladder training. Once a day, have your child hold his or her urine for a few minutes past the first sensation of the need to urinate.

4. Use waterproof sheets or mattress pads to avoid soiling the mattress while your child is learning not to wet the bed.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not scold a child for bed-wetting; you may worsen the problem.

• If your child is over the age of 6 and has rarely had a dry night or if bed-wetting is a major problem for you and your child, consult your health care provider for an evaluation.

• If your child has been dry for awhile and then begins wetting the bed this may be a sign of a problem such as stress, diabetes, or infection. Consult your health care provider for evaluation.

• Call your health care provider when your child has painful, bloody, or cloudy urination or abdominal pain.