Many parents worry when their child continues to wet at night after they have become dry during the day. Some children do stop bed wetting at 2 -3 years but it does vary and can depend on physical development as well as learning to control their bladder. Most are dry by 6 years, although up to 20% still wet occasionally, with a small percentage continuing into their teens. It is more common for boys to have a bed wetting problem than girls.
To stop bed wetting a child has to learn to recognise when their bladder is full and to be able to hold it. A newborn baby is unable to do this. A physical problem such as a small, underdeveloped bladder may cause difficulties, but bed wetting may also be genetic, many children have a parent who also bed wet.
Having a child who wets the bed is a nuisance, both for the child and the parents. Many children produce a lot of urine at night and standard diapers can leak. If the child is still young, night diapers are the easiest solution, until they reach an age when you feel you should be training them. Leaving them in diapers means that the necessary training does not take place. At some point this has to happen and initially there are likely to be accidents. Some parents decide the best solution is to use a mattress protector so that if an accident does occur only a sheet and night wear needs changing.
If a child continues regular bed wetting beyond the age of 5-6 years, or if you are concerned, you should consult your physician to make sure there is no medical problem. Many children will wet occasionally and this can be caused by anxiety, for example an upset in the family or starting a new school. If the bed wetting continues when a child has been dry previously, advice should be sought.
Do not give a child too much to drink before bedtime, but ensure they are hydrated and that they go to the bathroom before bed. Some parents will wake the child to use a potty or the bathroom before retiring themselves. Many children barely wake when this happens, it all depends on the individual child.
Bed wetting alarms, that sound at the first hint of moisture, are useful and there are also vibrating watches that can be set at intervals during the night to remind a child to use the bathroom. These help a child to feel adult and in control. Make sure the route to the bathroom is well lit and you can hear if they call for any help.
Most children will grow out of bed-wetting, but it can be frustrating while it is happening. Never scold or make a big issue of it and hopefully it will become a thing of the past.
This article is for information only and the author accepts no liability for any actions taken. Advice for a medical condition should always be sought from a physician before undertaking any treatment.
You may use this article as long as the content remains unaltered and a workable link is given to the author's site.
Margaret Tye runs the How To Stop Bed Wetting website. For further information visit Bed Wetting Children.
