Bedwetting Buddy

1. You’re not alone, and your child isn’t different.
2. Although it’s natural to be frustrated, try not to let your child know – it’s not their fault.
3. Don’t get cross or blame your child – this will only make matters worse.
4. Take one day, and one night, at a time.
5. It’s good to talk. Don’t be embarrassed with other parents – they can offer advice and support. And don’t forgot to support your child as well.

1. Be realistic: if your child is under 5 years old, and otherwise healthy, then bedwetting isn’t unusual; it may take time, however, for your child to be dry through the night: don’t expect results overnight.
2. Improve access to the toilet: if your child sleeps in a bunk bed, make sure they sleep in the bottom one – or leave a light on at night so they can find their way to the toilet.
3. Keep a diary: write down what they eat and drink each day for 2-4 weeks, as well as their mood and any bedwetting incidents. Are there any patterns? Is there anything your child eats or drinks on the nights they wet the bed? Does your child wet the bed when they are upset? If you can identify any bedwetting triggers, you can reduce them.
4. Explain how a bladder works: tell your child it’s like a balloon filling up with wee. During the day, they can tighten the muscle at the bottom to stop the wee coming out. At night, their brain is fast asleep, and sometimes the muscle can’t hold it any longer: so they wet the bed. It’s not their fault – and you can help them strengthen their bladder muscle.
5. Wee 1, 2, 3: many children go to bed with a half full bladder. Encourage them to wee 1, 2, 3 times to push the last drops of wee out.
6. Reduce fluid intake before bed: never, though, restrict drinks during the day. If your child is thirst at night, let them have a sip or two of water. Don’t give them drinks with caffeine (like many fizzy drinks), tea or hot chocolate.
7. Make sure your child isn’t constipated: one in four children who wet the bed also have constipation.
8. Give yourself peace of mind: use waterproof covers for the mattress and duvet, and absorbent, quilted sheets.
9. Using Pyjama pants – like DryNites – can make your child more comfortable during the night. They can be used in conjunction with other techniques. Use them when wetting the bed would be a major problem – if you child is on holiday, having a sleepover or if you and/or your child are exhausted and need a break.

Although there are medical reasons for bedwetting (see below), most children don’t have an underlying problem. If your child is under 5, and is otherwise healthy, then they won’t need any medical tests. If your child is 5-7 years old, then your GP can provide a quick test for urinary infections or diabetes.

1. Urinary infection: this can be diagnosed with a simple urine test.
2. Diabetes: this is more likely if your child starts wetting the bed after being dry for some time. Other symptoms might include tiredness, weight loss and being constantly thirsty.
3. Development issues: if your child has other issues with their development – which a health visitor will have noted – their bladder control might be slow in developing as well.
4. Constipation: having constipation can increase the chance of bedwetting. In one study of children with severe constipation, two thirds of children who wet the bed were cured by treating their constipation.
5. Stress: all sorts of stress can cause bedwetting. This is particularly common with older children and might include bullying, problems at school or at home.