Wetting the bed is a common problem for many children, even after they have been through potty training. Andrea, a mum from Bradford tells the story of how her six-year-old son, Ben, overcame bedwetting with the help of an alarm.
“Ben had been wetting the bed for a long time. We had no trouble toilet training him and he was excellent during the daytime, it was just during the night that the problem arose. We had tried everything – lifting him at night to take him to the toilet, reducing his fluid intake in the evenings and using all sorts of star charts, but nothing seemed to work. Eventually we spoke to the school nurse, but even her suggestions didn’t seem to work. Ben continued to wet the bed most nights.So, why do children wet the bed?
It is not unusual for children under the age of five to still be wet at night, or to have occasional wetting accidents in the day. We don’t fully understand why some children take longer than others to master the art of staying dry, but we know it is not linked to poor toilet training or laziness on the child’s part. For most children the situation will resolve itself with the aid of a few simple measures.
It is known there is a genetic link that suggests late toilet training and bedwetting can run in families. Other factors, such as constipation and urinary tract infections are known to affect the bladder and should always be checked by your GP or health visitor, especially if the child wets during the day beyond the age of five.
For the one in seven children who wet the bed beyond the age of seven, a full assessment of the problem will help identify any possible physical factors and the school nurse or GP should be able to direct you to a specialist continence clinic or service.
For more information, ideas or help contact ERIC. ERIC provides a free confidential Helpline service for parents and children open Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm 0845 370 8008 and an information text messaging service 447 624 811 636.
- Before you start, make it clear to your child that you’re not cross, you’re just trying to help, and make sure you listen and get them on board with any new measures.
- If you suspect that the bedwetting is stress-related – if there’s a change in family structure, you’ve moved home or your child is experiencing bullying for example – try to work on this anxiety before you start on a new regime.
- Staying dry and exercising control over the bladder (using her pelvic floor muscles) during the day might help – give her a timer or a watch with an alarm and see if you can prolong time between toilet trips by 10 minutes each day.
- Offer sips of drinks from about 4pm and nothing at all to drink one and a half hours before bedtime.
- Try to avoid putting your child in pull-ups or a nappy – it might help that they can feel when they’re wet at night time.
- Once your child wets the bed, ask them to help you change both themselves and the bed sheets, remembering to stay sympathetic and gentle.
- Others say that once a child is old enough for sleepovers, there is an initial period of embarrassment as she inevitably wets the bed, but that overnight stays can act as a catalyst for retraining.
Our Pick of Bedwetting Products
Bedwetting Alarm- Malem MO5
This alarm records your own sounds, music or personal message to alert your child. There is also the option of having a flashing glow when sounding. The alarm can be easily attached with a safety-pin or clip and is ideal for children with learning disabilities. The alarm is also supplied with externally detachable, replaceable, gold-plated sensor with clip and includes AAA batteries. This alarm is available to buy from the online Eric Shop.
The M&T Mattress Protector is made out of PVC/Polyester fabric and comes with a encapsulated zip. The fabric is both waterproof and ‘breathable’ making it comfortable for your little one. The mattress also provides protection for asthma sufferers and because the sheet is machine washable/wipe-clean it is perfect for busy mums! The mattress is available in single or double size. This mattress is also available to buy from the online Eric Shop.
Bedding Industrial Beguda Bedding
Bedding Industrial Beguda (B.I.B.) have developed a range of B.sensible and Suavinet bedding, that offers a new sleeping experience for everyone. The bedding provides ideal solutions for many sleeping issues, not least the problems of leaking nappies and bed-wetting, a common problem throughout childhood. Previously, parents had to rely on unreliable pyjama pants for their little ones and noisy uncomfortable waterproof under sheets.
The bedding has so many qualities that everyone can benefit from it, not only does it protect your expensive mattresses (including memory foam) but it is so comfortable and smooth that a better nights sleep is almost guaranteed
B.I.B. developed the product over a period of 3 years in cooperation with Lenzing; the Austrian producers of Tencel They will continue to look at expanding the product range and to introduce more innovative products.
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