Bedwetting may not be an issue until a kid is over 5 years old. It can be uncomfortable and embarrassing for children, especially since it is not often discussed. A child may feel like something is wrong with them, especially if they continue wetting the bed when they are older. So, how can a parent help their child stop wetting the bed?
Most children outgrow bedwetting naturally. However, it is crucial for you are a parent to know what causes the issue so you can know where to begin.
Causes of Bedwetting
There are different reasons why children wet their beds.
- Immature bladder
- Hormone imbalance
- Constipation
- Stress and anxiety
- Family history of bedwetting
- ADHD
If the bedwetting is new, it could mean an underlying health issue. It can be an excellent idea for a child to have an overactive bladder assessment for severe cases to help remedy the problem. A pediatrician can help assess the issue and develop possible causes and solutions.
How Can You Stop Your Child from Bedwetting?
One thing you must never do is shame or blame your child for wetting the bed. Instead, please encourage them to try their best and work on remedies together. Here are several solutions to stop bedwetting.
- Manage the Intake of Fluids during the Day
The timing of fluid intake is essential when stopping bedwetting. While the child may be used to drinking a glass of water or milk before bedtime, it plays a major role in bedwetting. Therefore, limiting or avoiding fluid intake hours is advisable before going to bed. It eliminates accidents and ensures the kid does not have to wake up severally for bathroom calls. Remind them to go to the bathroom before sleeping and encourage taking more fluids in the morning and afternoon. It is also a good idea to eliminate triggers like chocolate, snacks, and desserts at night.
- Consider Bladder Training
Another way of stopping bedwetting is bladder training. However, this technique requires time and a lot of patience. It is a process where the child goes to the bathroom at a specific time during the night. Keeping it consistent can help control the bladder. Therefore, you must wake the child up once or twice during the night to go to the bathroom.
- Consider a Bedwetting Alarm
If bladder training does not work after some time, you can consider a bedwetting alarm. The alarm is designed to detect when the child is about to urinate and wakes them up before the accident happens. If the kid starts to urinate, the alarm goes off and wakes the kid to go to the bathroom. The alarm can work well, especially if your kid is a deep sleeper.
- Don’t Punish Your Child
As much as you might be frustrated by the issue, never punish your child for bedwetting. Being angry at your child can worsen because of the stress and anxiety you expose them to.
Final Thoughts!
For most parents, bedwetting is a nuisance and not a problem. It can be frustrating, not to mention the effort you need to keep the child’s room and bed clean. The above remedies can help stop the issue. However, consider talking to your doctor if you think it is an issue, especially if your child is older.
