Bedwetting is also known as nocturnal enuresis and is a problem for many young kids. Bedwetting usually has no medical cause, but it is often troubling for both the child and his parents. Kids will often avoid social situations that may result in a sleepover, and the condition can also cause stress in the household on a nightly basis. Most doctors won’t see it as a problem until the child is 6, according to the National Association for Continence, but you can try some different strategies to help sooner.
Step 1
Wake your child up during the night once or twice and guide him to the bathroom to urinate. This will help train his bladder to empty at certain times.
Step 2
Reduce the amount of fluids you give your child as bedtime approaches, so there is less fluid in his bladder.
Step 3
Obtain an enuresis alarm to help train your child to wake up when it’s time to empty his bladder. The alarm attaches to the child’s underwear and sounds when it detects moisture, so he wakes up and can go finish in the bathroom.
Step 4
Visit your doctor if you feel the condition is causing damage to your family life to investigate whether an underlying issue is at work.
Tips and Warnings
- Reassure your child that wetting the bed is not his fault and that many other kids have the same problem. Fit the child’s bed with a mattress cover, so accidents won’t end up damaging the mattress. Maintain a low-key attitude when your child wets the bed, and offer praise when he is able to get up and urinate on his own.
