Bedwetting is involuntary (child has no choice in the matter) urination that occurs during sleep. About 40% of all 3 year olds wet the bed. For some children the wet nights slowly decrease in number, but about 15% still experience bed-wetting at age 5. After age 5 a significant percentage of children still wet the bed.

Apparently there are many possible causes, and they are not yet fully understood. Very often there is a family history. If both parents were affected, about ¾ of their children may be also. This situation is no one’s fault; it’s simply the "way we are put together" (just like one person has brown eyes and another has blue.)

CALL (during regular hours) FOR THESE SIGNS:

• Child begins wetting at night after being dry in the past
• Daytime wetting after achieving dryness
• Burning that occurs when urinating
• Straining with urinating, or a tiny, narrow stream of urine
• Pink or cloudy urine (or bloodstains on underwear)

• Child has excessive thirst, large amounts of urine during the day,

weight loss, and seems markedly tired

Children need love, support, and sensitivity from parents. Explain to the child that bed-wetting is not his/her fault, and that in time it will improve. Do not allow siblings, or others to tease the child; teach them that bed-wetting is not on purpose, it’s out of the child’s control. Some of these hints may be helpful:

• Have child use the bathroom just before going to bed
• Protect the bed (plastic cover between sheet and mattress)
• Let the child help change the sheets
• Provide (low-key) praise for dry nights
• Be supportive and caring after wet nights (keep it low-key, "not a big deal")

As a general rule, no clinical treatment should be used before age 6 or 7. If bed-wetting is still occurring at this time, the first choice is usually the bed-wetting alarm device. When the alarm is used correctly, children have had about a 70% success rate. Usually children become dry after consistent use of the alarm for about 2 to 4 months. Factors that favor success with the alarm include:

• Consistent use, following guidelines carefully
• Child is concerned about the bed-wetting
• Stress levels in family are low
• Family has positive, supportive attitude
• Rewards are given to child for following the guidelines of alarm use

(rewards for using alarm correctly are more important than rewards for dry nights)

Medications are also sometimes used, however they are definitely second choice. Probably the best use of medications would be for short term use (sleep-over, summer camp). Ask your pediatrician about the pros and cons of medications.

Further information and supplies (including bed-wetting alarms)

Bedwetting Store

800-214-0605

www.bedwettingstore.com

• More written information on this topic
• Questions about your child’s bed-wetting
• Appointment with pediatrician for evaluation/treatment of bed-wetting
• Information about how to obtain a bed-wetting alarm device