How to Stop Your Child From Wetting the Bed
Bedwetting, also called nocturnal enuresis, is a common problem that affects 5 to 7 million children in the U.S., according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Bedwetting can have many causes, including genetics, bladder problems and sleep disorders. Bedwetting was once thought to be a psychological problem, but doctors now believe that psychological problems are more likely to be the result of bedwetting rather than the cause. The good news is that many children can benefit from treatment.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Avoid punishment. According to the AAFP, family education about bedwetting is an important part of treatment. The problem is common, and children do not generally wet the bed out of rebellion. Never blame or shame a child for bedwetting.
-
2
See a doctor if your child is still wetting the bed at age five. By age five, a child who still wets the bed two or more times per month is considered enuretic (a bed wetter). Be prepared to answer questions about your child's bladder and bowel habits, as well as any other past or present medical problems or conditions. Your child's doctor can rule out or diagnose any physical problems that may need to be treated.
-
-
3
Encourage your child to urinate regularly throughout the day and avoid holding urine for long periods. Have your child use the bathroom just before bed.
-
4
Consider reducing the amount of fluid your child drinks before bedtime, but do not excessively restrict liquids.
-
5
Reward your child when she stays dry. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, this is not likely to completely cure bedwetting, but it can be encouraging to young children. Try a sticker chart and give your child a prize when she gets a certain number of stickers. You can also have your child help change the sheets when he has an accident, but do not approach this as punishment.
-
6
Try a bedwetting alarm. Alarms are considered a highly effective treatment for bedwetting, according to the AAFP. The alarm goes off when the child begins to urinate. This wakes the child up so he can use the toilet. Your child may need to use the alarm for three or four months. After three weeks without bedwetting, use the alarm for two weeks longer and then stop.
-
7
Consider medications if your doctor recommends them. Medications are available to decrease the amount of urine produced at night, but you should talk to your doctor about the possible benefits and risks. Keep in mind that children are likely to begin wetting the bed again when medication is stopped.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
It is important to remember that bedwetting that is not caused by a physical problem does not affect a child's health, but psychological harm is possible if a child is punished and shamed for wetting the bed. Offer your child support and let her know that many other children, probably even some in her class, have the same problem.
If your child has painful urination, fever or blood in the urine, contact his doctor immediately.
