Common mistakes in the process of curing bedwetting

Bedwetting can not only be upsetting for a child, but it is also often frustrating for a parent. However, it is important to treat bedwetting properly - these are some of the most common mistakes that we see parents make in their attempt to cure bedwetting. Whilst they are often done with the best possible intentions, they can actually slow down a child’s progress to reach dry nights.

1. Restricting fluids

Many parents assume (unsurprisingly) that a simple cure for bedwetting is to limit the amount their child drinks. In fact, it is very important to ensure that your child is drinking enough fluids regularly throughout the day. Drinking regularly helps to keep their bladder healthy and strong and water is the best drink for your child to have. See our chart here to find out the recommended about that your child should be drinking. Just make sure that drinking is limited around 1.5 hours before bedtime – if your child is thirsty they should have just a few sips of water rather than glugging down a big glass!

2. Lifting to go to the toilet whilst sleeping

Parents often decide to lift their sleeping child in the night and take them to the bathroom. If you lift your child to go to the toilet whilst they are still asleep, they will not be conscious of the sensation of a full bladder. In order to train their brain to have control of their bladder, it is important that they develop the feeling of a full bladder whilst they are asleep. This means that they need to experience waking up whey they wet to learn what this sensation feels like. So whilst lifting might help to prevent waking up to a wet bed in the morning, timed lifting is not helping you sleep and not helping your child to take control of their wetting.

3. Not getting help

Because bedwetting is not often talked about, parents can often feel embarrassed if their child is still wetting the bed beyond the age of 5. However, bedwetting is actually extremely common - at least one child in every primary school class wets the bed regularly. The good news is that help is out there - you can make an appointment with your GP or arrange to see your school nurse to talk about your child’s wetting habits and the options available to them. This is also a good idea if you think there may be some other underlying cause for their bedwetting. Bedwetting alarms are also easily available to purchase and, as the first-line treatment for bedwetting, this means that you are able to start the process of curing your child’s bedwetting straight away.

The above “mistakes” can easily be reversed in order to positively change your child’s bedwetting habits. If you are unsure if you are dealing with your child’s bedwetting properly, get in touch with us and we will always be happy to help!