The 3 Things Every Bed-Wetter's Parents Should Do

A few tips for parents of bed-wetters.

If you have a child who persistently wets the bed, especially if they are starting to get a little older, it can be very frustrating. Most doctors will tell you that it is something they need to grow out of. And thus the waiting begins, and the sheet washing. In some cases medication or other interventions prove helpful, but more the majority of people time is the best remedy. 

If you are a parent to a bed-wetter, here are a few things you can do:

Reduce the incidences.

In theory this sounds great, we all want our child to wet less, and for many wetting is a nightly occurrence, start with technique to reduce the wetting when possible:

• Reduce liquids before bed.
• Have child use the bathroom right before bed.
• Set alarms, etc. to help child wake up to use the toilet at night.
• Cut trigger foods out of the child’s diet. 

Find Protection.
Next, prepare your child and home for the effects of bed wetting and protect your child and your furniture.

• Pull-ups or diapers- Some say not to use pull ups or diapers because they can encourage laziness. However, others feel like it can help the child feel more independent and confident. Take time to determine which it would be for your child. If your child seems to be peeing as soon as they put the pull up on, or after they wake up, discourage the use. However, if they are older, it may be helpful for protecting the bedding from needing daily washing. 

• Buy a mattress protector- For persistent bed wetters this can be key to not having to replace the mattress. Look for one with a liquid proof barrier. You may find yourself washing it frequently, but that is far less expensive than replacing a mattress that is frequently soiled. 

• Use bed pads. These are disposable pads that can be placed under the individual to help catch leaks, and keep the bedding and mattress clean for longer. 

• Consider room deodorizers. If your little one wets frequently it may lead to an odor build up, especially if mattress protection is not or was not being utilized. Purchasing room deodorizers to keep the scent to a minimum and protect the child from embarrassment can be very helpful. 

Change the Attitude:

One of the most important things to remember when it comes to bedwetting it is not motivating or helpful to get upset. Instead, look for tools to help the child control their bedwetting, don’t blame or punish. Also, be patient and supportive. Remind them it is their place to remember to use the bathroom before bed, and that you will try to help them remember but they need to take some responsibility. Help include the child in the clean-up process. This will again reinforce accountability for the child. Shaming and blaming will not stop the bed wetting.

If the problem persists discuss options with your health care professional. Childhood incontinence is not rare, but some children need more help and treatment than others. It may be tied to another problem or condition, or it may just be they are deep sleepers with small bladders.

Further Reading: 

How To Choose the Right Incontinence Bed Pad

Finally...An Incontinence Swim Diaper For Older Children

Here's Why Incontinence Affects Many People of All Ages
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About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s Web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wisc. Visithttp://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.

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