subject: Bed Wetting Solutions That Work [print this page] Many parents start to look for bed wetting solutions when their school age child has not mastered dry nights. Most children have become dry by the time they reach five years old but some continue to be wet at night. It can be a difficult time for the child and the family.
Limiting drinks before bed time is a common bed wetting solution. Limiting drinks at least two hours before bed and using the bathroom just before going to bed can help reduce bed wetting. Some studies have indicated that drinks which contain caffeine such as tea, coffee and sodas can contribute towards bedwetting. Cutting out such drinks a few hours before bed can be a solution to bed wetting.
Other bed wetting solutions include waking a child and taking them to the bathroom just before you go to bed in the hopes that they will go through the night without needing to urinate.
Medication is not always a permanent solution for bedwetting but it is sometimes used as a short term solution. Usually as soon as the medication is stopped, the child reverts back to bed wetting. Medications can also have adverse side effects and you should make sure you are fully aware of the risks associated with medication.
Another bed wetting solution is motivational therapy. This is where a child is rewarded, perhaps with stickers or a toy, for the desired behaviour which in this case would be a dry night.
The most successful bed wetting solution is however, a bed wetting alarm. For children with primary nocturnal enuresis (night time bedwetting) these small devices are a very effective solutiont to bed wetting. Bedwetting alarms work by detecting moisture and triggering an alarm, which wakes the wearer and alerts them to the fact that they need to visit the bathroom. With the continual use of the bedwetting alarm, the child will gradually be conditioned into waking up as soon as a full bladder is sensed. In time a child will begin to wake in order to visit the bathroom instead of wetting the bed. Eventually, he or she will not need to urinate during the night.
When motivational therapy is used together with a bed wetting alarm, success rates are improved. Studies put success rates at around 65-75% when using a bedwetting alarm and some manufacturers claim much higher success rates.
You should never make a child feel guilty or ashamed because they wet the bed. This is a difficult time and help and support is essential. For children that continue to wet the bed this distressing condition can impact their self esteem. It interferes with their social life, they are reluctant to go on sleepovers with friends and miss out on summer camps. Sometimes they suffer teasing or bullying.
As there are some medical causes for bed wetting, it is always recommended that you discuss your concerns with your child's doctor.
