Bed wetting is a natural part of the early stages of development. It may occur in small children but dissipates as potty training is taught and ultimately mastered. The Mayo Clinic states that bed wetting may continue through ages 6 or 7. If it continues past those ages and doesn't improve with home remedies, a doctor should be consulted.
Reduce Fluids
Parents should reduce fluid intake in the evening before bedtime. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are no specific recommendations on how much fluid a child should have. The child's pediatrician should be able to recommend a limit. However it is important not to restrict fluids too much, particularly for children who are very active or those that play a sport. In addition to monitoring the amount of fluids a child is consuming, parents should take care to limit the number of caffeinated drinks the child consumes. This includes soft drinks and even drinks containing chocolate.
Use Bed Wetting Alarms
Bed wetting alarms are designed to train the child to wake up at various periods to go to the bathroom. Parents can set the alarm for the time that seems appropriate. They can also decide whether they will use the alarm to wake the child specifically or if they will use it to wake themselves up so they can subsequently wake the child. Bed wetting alarms can be purchased over-the-counter at most pharmacies. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) advises that it can take several months before the alarm method is effective. Once the child has three full weeks of no bed wetting, the parents should use the alarm for an additional two weeks and cease use thereafter.
Encourage Healthy Urination Habits
The Mayo Clinic advises parents to train their children to use the bathroom at regular intervals throughout the day. In addition, parents can train children to double void. Double voiding involves having the child go to the bathroom in the evening, such as after dinner, and again for bedtime. This helps to ensure that the bladder is nearly empty, reducing the likelihood of wetting the bed during the night.
Administer Medications
In some cases, a child's pediatrician may prescribe a medication called desmopressin, also known as DDAVP. UMMC indicates that DDAVP is relatively easy to use and fosters quick results.
