SleepTree
BED-WETTING
Nighttime bed-wetting is normal and very common among preschoolers. It affects about 40% of 3 year olds and may run in families. The most common reasons your child may wet the bed include the following:
A bladder that has not yet developed enough to hold urine for a full night.
Your child may not yet be able to recognize a full bladder and wake up to use the toilet.
Stress. Changes in the home, such as a new baby, moving, or a divorce can lead to a sudden case of bedwetting for a child who has been dry at night in the past.
How to handle bed-wetting:
Do not blame or punish the child for bed-wetting.
Avoid drinking large amounts of fluid just before bedtime.
Until your child can stay dry during the night, put a rubber or plastic cover over the mattress to protect against wetness and odors. Keep the bedding clean.
If your child is old enough, involve them in handling the problem. Encourage them to help change the wet sheets and covers. This will help teach responsibility and avoid the embarrassment of having other family members know about the problem every time it happens. Do not, however, use this as punishment for the child.
Children over the age of 7 should practice "stop/start peeing" when they urinate in the bathroom to better develop the bladder muscle that controls the release of urine.
Most importantly, don't pressure your child. Bed-wetting is usually beyond a child's control and they may only become sad or frustrated if they cannot stop. Set a "no-teasing" rule in the family. Make sure your child understands that bed-wetting will get better in time.
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