5 Tips for Handling Bedwetting

18 Sep 5 Tips for Handling Bedwetting

As most parents know, there are very few challenges quite like potty training. While some kids grasp potty training quite quickly and easily, there are still many that struggle with this concept, mostly at night. Bedwetting is extremely common not only in kids that are just learning to use the bathroom but even for those that have been working on potty training for years. If you have an older kid that is still bedwetting and want to help them overcome this obstacle, you are not alone.

This is why we have created a list of our six best tips for handling bedwetting:

1. Create a bladder-friendly bedtime routine. A bedtime routine is important for a number of reasons, especially when it comes to preventing bedwetting. You should always make sure your child goes to the bathroom right before they start getting ready for bed and again right when they are about to fall asleep (to ensure no residual fluid is still in their bladder).
2. Control their fluid intake. Kids need to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and healthy, but you should control when they are drinking these fluids, making sure that they drink plenty of water to hydrate in the morning, and limited fluids a few hours before bed.
3. Invest in the right bedding. If you have waterproof mattress covers, and water resistant sheets (there are many out there designed specifically with bed wetters in mind) it can make bed wetting much less stressful on parents. It makes clean up easier and less time consuming, and it prevents some kids from waking up at all when they have an accident.
4. Remember, don’t shame them. It can be frustrating as a parent to have a child who continually wets the bed, especially if it keeps interrupting your (and their sleep). However, it is important that your child does not feel shame about their bedwetting. This means not scolding them and making sure their siblings aren’t teasing or joking with them about it, even if it seems like it is all in good fun. This can only make the problem worse and cause your child to develop anxiety or about the issue.
5. Talk to your pediatrician. Bedwetting usually is not a very serious medical issue, but if your child is still wetting the bed after the age of 5 or if they start bedwetting abruptly, there could be a medical concern at the root of this problem. Urinary tract infections, stress, or diabetes can all cause bedwetting.

Remember, the occasional accident is normal, even for slightly older kids. However, if your child is dealing with consistent and challenging bedwetting, you should consider trying these tips or bringing them into their doctor to make sure there isn’t a medical issue causing the bedwetting.

If you have more questions about bedwetting and how you can help your child with this common problem, contact us today at Continuum Pediatrics. To schedule an appointment give us a call at 817-617-8600, we are here to help with bedwetting and any other concerns you may have about your child!