Potty Training Solutions for Children: Tips for Bedwetting Prevention

While wetting the bed can be indicative of some type of underlying condition, but this is only true in approximately 1% of cases.  Just because a child wets the bed does not mean it can be controlled or the child is doing it purposely, bedwetting can be attributed to many causes.

Tips to Prevent Bedwetting

The following is a list of tips parents can try to help prevent bedwetting in their child:

• Consider using an absorbent, disposable undergarment at night.
• Reward the child for remaining dry at night.
• Make sure the child has ample access to the restroom and encouraged to go several times per day.
• Goal set for the child to wake up each night in order to use the restroom, instead of focusing on remaining dry through the night.
• Make sure the child uses the restroom directly before going to bed.
• Reduce the child’s evening fluid intake; restrict fluids approximately 2 hours prior to bedtime.
• Making cleaning up a bedwetting accident easy, by using washable, absorbent bed sheets, waterproof mattress pads and deodorizing air fresheners.
• Encourage the child to take responsibility for being dry and let the child know that you want to help them overcome bedwetting.
• Impose a “no-teasing” rule in the house and do not let siblings or others tease, harass or ridicule the child about bedwetting.  Never discuss the child’s bedwetting in front of others or within earshot of the child.
• Be supportive and patient with the child.  Provide reassurance and a hug, do not make bedwetting an issue and encourage the child by reinforcing self-esteem.
• Focus on the problem of bedwetting and do not blame or punish the child, this could result in an emotional setback and actually make the situation much worse.
• Use a urinary bed alarm which is available in several different styles, the device has a moisture sensor and an alarm.  The censor will detect moisture in the bed and awake the child in time to use the restroom and can reduce the incidence of bedwetting.
• Have a pediatrician evaluate and examine the child to check for any medical conditions which could be the reason behind bedwetting.
• Try “lifting,” which involves the parent making sure the child goes to the restroom right before bed and then waking the child up 2-3 hours later to use the bathroom.  It is not a quick fix solution, but with time and patience it does work.
• Bladder training the child can also work wonders and alleviate bedwetting at night.
• Medications can usually work while the child takes it, but when discontinued bedwetting usually begins again.

READ Laser Acupuncture May Help Bedwetters Break Nighttime Habit

Overview

Once all avenues have been explored and the following tips have been enacted, the chances of a child becoming night dry are increased.  As a parent, support, patience and encouragement are crucial in helping a child stay dry during the night.  Whichever method helps a child stay dry during the night will help a child achieve a major life milestone and make them feel much better about themselves.