Bedwetting - what you can do

Bedwetting is common in children from the time they become toilet trained (around 3 years of age) until about 5 years of age.

Interestingly, bedwetting can run in families so if you were a bedwetter your children may be also. The important thing to remember with bedwetting is not to blame the child as it's not their fault. Some theories suggest that children who wet the bed sleep more deeply so do not wake when their bladder is full. There can be a medical reason for bedwetting in 5-10% of cases so it might be worth taking your child for a check with their doctor.

What to do?

• Wait - most children will outgrow bedwetting by six or seven years at which age treatment may be necessary
• Bedwetting alarms are available that wake the child at the first sign of bedwetting.
• Do not blame your child but reassure them that bedwetting is a normal stage of a child's life.
• You can choose to dress your child in pull-up style nappies (diapers) that protect the bed from the urine.
• Place a water-proof sheet on the bed to protect the sheets and replace daily.
• Take your child to the toilet before bed and remind them to go to the toilet during the night.
• Perhaps leave a night light on so your child can see their way to the toilet.
• In the morning, give your child a shower so they do not smell of urine during the day.
• Later, if bedwetting persists, medical treatments are available such as medications - see your doctor.