Convinced? And yet some parents remain worried about treating bedwetting, despite evidence that children make significant progress when they can ‘pause’ the alarm. They worry that giving their child a device will turn them into a zombie who regulates bodily functions by beeping. It’s the furniture.
The mum complains to me: ‘Urgh! Every night device here and this one there.’
We start with the most obvious solution to this problem. ‘How about placing the devices on your own dressing table?’ I say. ‘Then your kid’s room will appear normal again.’ The parents on my couch are already stressed by my bedwetting scheme.
Why introduce yet another change to their environment? They dismiss the idea without much consideration. ‘She’ll freak out if she finds the alarms in her bedroom in the morning.’ ‘Beth’s obsessive-compulsive. From now on, we’ll do everything twice so she feels more secure.’ He adds: ‘This child was born with a dry diaper.
But placement isn’t the whole story. It’s possible to place the device under the pillow of a heavy sleeper and never hear the alarm sound.
Even the most meticulous child can find it difficult to persuade others to reclip the sensor to their underwear when this occurs.
Why are some parents skeptical that this 10-minute procedure would utterly transform their lives and their children’s lives? It’s not always easy to label scientific denial, and even more challenging for it to be constructive.
However, there are a few classic patterns. One is this: I’m a scientist. My child is still wetting her bed. Therefore, science simply cannot help us with this matter.
First, a topic that no one *really*, like really wants to talk about at family gatherings but that everyone secretly wonders about – *bedwetting*, aka urinating. It is still that pox-like thing that a bunch of kids have and that most parents have been somehow involved in. Maybe it’s your thing! Perhaps it’s your kid’s thing! And, even if you know this isn’t a disease, it can certainly feel like you’re at war. Take a deep breath – you are not in combat. You are right where you need to be, not only to move through it but also to laugh and maybe even give some high fives.
Is Bedwetting Really That Common?
For starters, it’s much more common than it feels. Between the ages of five and seven, *15 percent* of kids wet the bed. The better news is that it goes away alone for most kids. No big deal. They get past it. This is even more surprising: if you’ve been looking around thinking that ‘every kid except mine’ is growing out of bedwetting, it’s because they are.
You’re not alone, however. You’re following your parents’ footsteps and those of your parents. Some navigate it on their way to their kids’ bedrooms in the middle of the night.
Why Do Kids Wet the Bed?
And before we discuss how to handle it like a boss, let’s consider why it actually happens. Nobody is a lazy whose who doesn’t care or is ‘not trying hard enough’ (though if only that worked, kids everywhere could be dry!).
Here are a few common reasons why bedwetting happens:
- Serious Sleepers: Some are so serious about sleep that their body never wakes them up when their bladder is full. (I wish I had that superpower! At least, I wished I did before I woke up…
- Tiny Bladder Capsule: Some little ones just don’t have a big enough bladder, so they can’t hold enough liquid to get them through the night.
- Hormonal Development: Your body makes vasopressin, which helps slow urine production while sleeping. Kids who haven’t developed enough of this hormone can still be wet at night.
- Family Genes: Yep, bedwetting can be genetic. Bedwetting tends to run in families, so you may well have a kid with a bedwetting problem if you or your partner were also bedwetters as children.
- Stress or Big Changes: Moving into a new house, starting a different school, or even the arrival of a new sibling can spark a little stress that shows up in night-time accidents.
How to Deal with Bedwetting Like a Pro
Having worked through some of the ‘whys’, let’s get to the nitty-gritty. What actions can you, fellow parent, take to address bedwetting in a way that will keep you and your child sane?
Stay Calm and Positive
If there is one simple golden rule to parenting, it is this: *Keep calm.* Bedwetting is a developmental issue entirely beyond the control of your child, and they’re probably as upset by it as you are. Don’t punish or make them feel guilty. Children are embarrassed about wetting themselves; remembering and chiding will sometimes worsen things.
Instead, try this: Offer reassurance. Point out that it’s normal – something the hang of. A little more hugs and understanding from you will do the trick to keep their spirits up.
Invest in Bed Protection
Alright, let’s get a little pragmatic. You’re not supposed to be Superman every night – just smart with the clean-up. Waterproof mattress protectors are the jam. They keep the mattress dry, and you only have to clean the sheets and blankets. And they’re easily machine washable.
Others use sandwich bedding, wherein you have waterproof sheets, sheets, sheets, sheets, waterproof sheets (you get the idea). If that middle sheet has an accident in the middle of the night, just pull off the top two layers, and you don’t have one gross, awkwardly wet mess to deal with.
Nighttime Bathroom Routine
Do you know how some adults have a whole pre-sleep skincare routine that they follow religiously every night before they hit the hay? This is your child’s **nighttime potty routine**. Make it clear that they must use the toilet just before they go to sleep. Also, it won’t hurt to limit liquids to two or three hours before bedtime. (Sorry, kid, no nightcaps with you!)
Consider a Bedwetting Alarm
If you’re working with a super-deep sleeper, a *bedwetting alarm* can make all that senses moisture and wake your child when he urates. You have to be committed. It won’t help in one night, but it will help over time as your child’s brain learns when his bladder is full and wakes him.
Be Patient with Progress
There is no magic solution – bedwetting does not mean we have failed as parents. Some kids will stop wetting the bed within a month or two of attempting new strategies, whereas others might take a year or longer. But it is worth it to remain on track because it will ultimately resolve itself.
Keep celebrating those small victories, those dry nights—they’re more efficient, especially if they’re scattered between a few sodden ones. Every step forward is one step more.
Talk to Your Doctor If Needed
If your child has reached the age of 7 or so and has not grown out of bedwetting, it’s time to visit your child’s pediatrician. Most of the time, bedwetting is just a phase, although sometimes it can be a sign of a medical disorder such as a urinary tract infection, sleep apnea, or constipation. Your doctor can help distinguish which it might be and advise further treatment – which may include a therapist held captive to long, drug-induced sessions.
FAQs About Bedwetting
Because let’s face it – there are always questions! Here are some quick answers to some common bedwetting questions:
Should I wake my child up during the night to use the bathroom?
You can, but most scholars say it’s not really effective in the mid-to-long term. It’s more useful to help them wake up by themselves.
Will bedwetting go away on its own?
Absolutely – for most kids. In fact, many kids grow out of bedwetting themselves, usually between the ages of five and seven.
Can food or drink affect bedwetting?
Abst has caffeine (such as chocolate Oreos) within a few hours of bedtime. You need hydration, but time it wisely.
Is bedwetting hereditary?
Yes! If you or your spouse potty-trained late as a child, there’s a good chance your child will, too. And he’ll potty-train a lot (I know people whose.) But they will outgrow it!
Wrapping Up: You’ve Got This!
To reiterate: bedwetting, empathy, and planning don’t conquer those wet sheets. In the meantime, stay calm, lead by example, keep the process as stress-free as possible, give plenty of encouragement, and experiment. Don’t beat yourself up over something so outside your control. It will pass – just like diaper blow-outs and toddler temper tantrums. Hang in there, and happy, dry nights. 🌙