Your baby may get daytime bladder control by the age of three. However, nighttime control may take a little longer. Bedwetting is involuntarily wetting whilst asleep. Most children will outgrow this by the age of 8.
Reasons for Bedwetting
There are a few factors that may contribute to your child bedwetting. These include:
• Persistent Constipation
If the bowel is stretched and full with constipation it can press against the bladder and create day and night time wetting difficulties.
• Urinary Tract Infection
This can give a feeling of always needing to go to the toilet and can cause or exacerbate day and night time wetting. Take your child to the doctor in case they complain of pain when urinating.
• Family traits
Bedwetting can run in families – if a child has one parent who wet the bed as a child there is a 45% chance they will inherit this trait.
• Anxieties
It is known that anxiety, stress or changes in routine can delay a child becoming dry at night or can cause bedwetting in a child who had previously been good at managing bladder control. Anxiety or stress can be associated with changes in routine such as starting school, the birth of a new sibling, exams and worries, or bullying. If a child begins wetting at night after being dry for a while, talking with them may help them to try and identify and resolve any of these causes.
What can you do if your child is bedwetting?
Experts suggest that the best approach is by having a supportive response to your child. Understand that the child is not bedwetting intentionally and be patient. You can:
• Reassure your child that you understand and are confident in her ability to outgrow bedwetting.
• Avoid blaming children for laziness or forgetfulness as they may develop a sense of shame.
• Remain calm when a child wets the bed.
• Use diapers or training pants for the older child.
• Use a rubber lining under sheets to make bed cleaning easier.
• If your child is older, teach them to help change their sheets.
• Keep your child’s dignity; avoid talking about the issue in front of other people and family members to ensure their privacy.
• Never allow siblings, cousins or friends to name-call or tease about bedwetting.
