Tips for Help Cope with Bed Wetting Issues
Are you having reoccurring problems with your child wetting the bed? An accident once in a while is normal and not a reason for concern, but if you’re noticing bedwetting to be thematic and/or frequent, maybe it’s time to get down to the reasons why.
There are two types of bedwetting: primary and secondary. If your child has been wetting the bed consistently and since early childhood without a break, this is primary bedwetting. The second type, secondary bedwetting, refers to children who have started bedwetting after a period of being dry at night (at least six months).
There are a few possible reasons why your child is wetting the bed:
- An underdeveloped (small) bladder.
- An inability to recognize a full bladder, or an inability to wake up when they have a full bladder.
- Poor daytime bathroom habits.
Here are a few things to try if your child is having issues with bedwetting:
- Be cognizant of their liquid intake, especially getting close to bedtime.
- Schedule mandatory bathroom breaks.
- Try the Peapod Mat, a 100% washable mat that goes over the bed sheets, eliminating the need to replace the bedding with every accident.
- Try a bed alarm, which is a wetness sensor your child wears that alerts them with noise and vibration when they wet the bed.
- Avoid showing visible frustration pertaining to your child’s bedwetting, and avoid harsh punishment. Your child is probably already embarrassed.
In some cases, bedwetting could be a warning sign that the issue could be more serious, like a urinary tract infection, a hormone imbalance, a problem with the nervous system or in extreme cases, diabetes. Make sure to consult your family doctor if you have ongoing concerns about your child’s bedwetting.
