Bedwetting

Bedwetting is perfectly normal in young children, particularly under 5, but it doesn’t mean it's not stressful.

Bedwetting often runs in families, but the good news is, most children will grow out of it.

We take a quick look at a few things that may help and also the things that don’t and like everything, if you think there could be a real issue, then do seek professional help. How to help your child Make sure your child has plenty to drink, ideally water, throughout the day.

You shouldn’t limit the amount your child drinks, in the hope that this stops them wetting the bed as it will only train their bladder to get used to holding small amounts of liquid.

You can reduce how much they drink an hour before bedtime, but only if they have drunk plenty during the day. If your child drinks plenty throughout the day then they should also go to the toilet regularly, usually around 4 – 7 times and also make sure they go to the toilet just before they go to bed. An obvious one, but make sure their mattress is protected with a waterproof cover, you can also get these for their duvet too, but go for a breathable kind that doesn’t squeak every time they move. Make sure they can get up and go to the toilet on their own at night, it may be worth having a little nightlight on the landing or get the transportable nightlight which they can carry with them, or make sure they know where the light switch is.

Also, check they can remove their pyjamas quickly and easily on their own. If you think it will help, then you could try a reward chart, although make sure it’s for them using the toilet before bed and not for staying dry at night as they may not even know they are doing it. What not to do As mentioned above, the bed wetting may not be your child’s fault and so don’t punish them for it as this may only result in making it worse. Caffeine can make your child need the toilet more, so try not to give them things like tea and cola. It may seem like a good idea at the time but try not to carry your child to the toilet during the night as they may still be asleep, and this will just get them use to going to the toilet in their sleep.

Ideally, they need to train their bladder to hold on until morning. If your child continues to wet the bed as they get older or starts wetting the bed regularly after being dry, then do speak to your GP or their school nurse, who may be able to help more.

Sources: https://www.eric.org.uk/FAQs/can-i-train-my-child-to-be-dry-at-nigh.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bedwetting/

Bedwetting is perfectly normal in young children, particularly under 5, but it doesn’t mean it's not stressful.