Bedwetting, also called enuresis, is an extremely common occurrence, according to Kids Health. Although the exact cause of bedwetting is unknown, stress and your child’s inability to recognize her full bladder might be contributing factors. It can simply take longer for your potty-trained child to establish bladder control at night. Bedwetting can be difficult for families and embarrassing for your child. Although she will typically grow out of it, there are some ways you can help the process along.
Step 1
Limit the amount of fluids your child drinks after dinner. If she drinks the majority of her fluids during the day, she might be able to hold her bladder until morning. According to the Mayo Clinic, 8 ounces of fluid in the evening might be enough, although your child might need more if he plays sports or does other physical activities.
Step 2
Encourage your child to urinate regularly throughout the day, such as every two hours.
Step 3
Remind her to go to the bathroom right before bed. Using the bathroom can be a part of her regular nighttime routine, which can also include brushing her teeth and reading a story.
Step 4
Try waking him up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waking him one to two hours after he falls asleep.
Step 5
Get a moisture alarm. According to the Mayo Clinic, these battery-operated devices sound an alarm if your child starts to urinate in bed, allowing her time to wake up, hold her urine and finish in the toilet. It can take a few weeks to see results from using a moisture alarm.
Step 6
Talk to your child’s doctor about prescription medication. Desmopressin acetate helps the body to make less urine at night, and oxybutynin can increase bladder capacity. This might not be the best option for your child, since medications carry side effect risks and bedwetting often resumes after your child stops taking the medicine. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, medications are generally a last resort and are not recommended for children under 5 years of age.
Things You'll Need
- Moisture alarm
- Medication
