Bedwetting before the age of seven should not cause concern; however, it is often an embarrassment for your child. The National Library of Medicine reported in a 2005 study that bedwetting affects up to 20 percent of five-year-old children. Although it is a frustrating process, there are solutions to help your child decrease bedwetting and build her confidence with toilet training. The Mayo Clinic recommends parental patience and understanding as the first step in treating the problem.
Limit Fluids and Caffeine
Limiting evening fluid intake may resolve nighttime accidents. The Mayo Clinic recommends minimal fluids after 5 p.m. when the child is sedentary. Although this seems like an easy solution, it may at first be difficult to remember to implement. Keep in mind that caffeine also has a diuretic effect and induces the need to urinate. Limiting your child's fluid, as well as the type of fluid, can decrease bedwetting.
Alarms
Battery-operated moisture alarms may help teach your child to recognize the sensation of urinating during sleep. The alarm connects to your child's pajamas or bedding. At the first sign of wetness, the alarm sounds. Ideally, the sound alerts your child to wake up and go to the toilet to finish the process. The 2005 National Library of Medicine study concluded that alarm interventions showed an effective treatment for prevention of bedwetting.
Bladder Training
The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse recommends bladder training as a solution to bedwetting. Bladder training helps your child learn to hold urine longer, but it may take several weeks to see results. Bladder training involves keeping a log of when your child urinates and recording the time lapse between urination. After recognizing the pattern, you should help your child to wait an extra several minutes before using the bathroom. Make the wait time longer during the training process to help stretch the bladder to contain more urine.
Encourage Elimination
Urinating regularly throughout the day may help your child further recognize the sensation of needing to urinate rather than create a sense of urgency. The Mayo Clinic recommends use of double voiding before bedtime to empty the bladder. At the beginning of your child's bedtime routine, have him use the bathroom and then have him use it again right before falling asleep. In addition, encourage him to get up and use the bathroom if needed during the night.
