Solution against bedwetting
Your child still regularly suffers from bedwetting even though you had expected them to be dry by this time. This can be very frustrating, but don’t worry… this happens to more parents than you think… We have sifted through the scientific articles to answer all your questions and even point you in the direction of possible solutions to bedwetting!
It is normal for young children to wet their beds, so solutions to bedwetting do not need to be implemented as soon as possible. In general, children between 2 and 4 years old learn to hold their pee during the day, but find that they have more difficulty in the evening. Scientific studies show that 15% of 5-year-olds still regularly wet the bed. For 6 to 8-year-olds, this happens to 6% to 8% of children. There are many reasons why your child might still wet the bed. In this article you will find all the information you need to take action against bedwetting!
What is bedwetting?
Bedwetting is an annoying and energy-consuming problem. Children sleep worse and become insecure because of bedwetting; their self-esteem goes down. Parents of bedwetting children often feel that they have failed themselves. It is very important to look for possible solutions against bedwetting at some point. And although that sounds easy, it is anything but.
Bedwetting, also known as nocturnal incontinence, occurs when a child unconsciously empties the bladder while sleeping. This is only seen as problematic if the child is of an age where it can reasonably be expected that this will not happen again.
The Dutch General Practitioners Association has drawn up the following guidelines:
- 5 years or older
- Bedwetting occurs at least twice a week
- Over a period of three months
or
- 7 years or older
- Bedwetting occurs at least once a week
- Over a period of three months
Don’t worry if your child falls into one of the above criteria as we explain the solutions to bedwetting below. Many children wet the bed and it can usually be dealt with effectively. It is important to get a better idea of the possible causes. So this is the time to investigate solutions to bedwetting.
Potty-trained during the day
The most important thing is that a child is almost potty trained during the day. If your child still wears diapers during the day, there is no point in finding a solution for bedwetting. It is also very important that your child wants to be dry at night. There has to be a certain motivation within your child.
With any solution for bedwetting, the goal is to change a certain pattern. A child should recognize the stimulus of a full bladder and think about using the toilet. So the solution to bedwetting is twofold. On the one hand, your child needs to recognize the stimulus of a full bladder while sleeping and on the other hand, the child needs to have the will to move to the toilet (getting up from your warm bed…that’s always frustrating).
Dryly® bedwetting alarms
Popular
Dryly Bedwetting Alarm Star
(Incl. 2 pants)
Wizzu (panda soft toy)
Dryly® mobile app
Charger
Underwear solid color (2 pack)
Extra’s
€185,-
Popular
Dryly Bedwetting Alarm Hero
(Incl. 3 pants)
Wizzu (panda soft toy)
Dryly® mobile app
Charger
Underwear solid color (3 pack)
Extra’s
€205,-
Popular
Dryly® Bedwetting Alarm Superhero
(Incl. 4 pants)
Wizzu (panda soft toy)
Dryly® mobile app
Charger
Underwear solid color (2 pack)
Extra’s
Underwear Wizzu (2-pack)
€230,-
The first step
The first step towards a solution against bedwetting is to set an alarm clock next to your child’s bed in the evening. Urine production is at its highest two to three hours after bedtime. If you then set an alarm clock to make your child urinate, this reduces the risk of bedwetting.
Help your child with these 7 important tips
- Support your child and let them know that you understand that it is not a conscious action. It is very harmful to the learning process to punish your child after a bedwetting incident.
- Agree on a routine to follow before bedtime. This does not provide any guarantees, but it significantly reduces the chances of bedwetting!
- Involve your child in the changing of the bed so that you create awareness of the consequences of bedwetting.
- Be patient. Nocturnal dryness does not happen overnight and progresses at different rates for each child.
- Stand up against bullying in the family or at school. It is disastrous for the child’s self-image and confidence to be bullied on this subject. Zero tolerance is in order to prevent childhood trauma.
- See the bigger picture. Bedwetting is a very normal process that has affected some of the most important people in the world. Count your blessings if this is the biggest inconvenience for the time being!
- It is never wrong to check with your GP to rule out any biological abnormalities.
On the way to a dry bed together
Bedwetting alarm
Scientific research has proven that the bedwetting alarm method is the most effective and safest way of permanently preventing bedwetting. A study of 505 children shows that 79% are dry for at least 14 consecutive days after 10 weeks. This makes bedwetting alarms the best solution against bedwetting.
Because there are no risks of side effects for your child, the bedwetting alarm is available without a prescription. The selection is so large that there is always a bedwetting alarm that meets the needs of you and your child. Just like technological developments with our phones, the same thing is happening in the supply of bedwetting alarms. The latest generation is completely wireless and easy to use. In order to help you find the bedwetting alarm that suits your needs, we have compiled a useful overview of all the pros and cons of the bedwetting alarms currently available on the market.
Medication
In certain cases, such as sleepovers or summer camps, medication can be a good temporary solution. During the preliminary examination, it is important to weigh the side effects against the benefits of the medication. In addition, it is good to know that this often only provides temporary solutions to bedwetting.
Imipramine/ amitriptyline
Imipramine belongs to the group of tricyclic antidepressants. It regulates the amount of naturally occurring substances in the brain that play a role in moods and emotions.
It is not known how imipramine works for bedwetting. It does not seem to have an effect on all children.
In some cases this medicine is very effective, but there are potential drawbacks.
Minrin/ Desmopressine
Desmopressin reduces urine output at night when used before bedtime. Desmopressin does not completely eliminate bedwetting. There is less urination at night and the bed will be wet less often, but it usually does not stay completely dry. After stopping the medication, bedwetting often comes back.
The bedwetting alarm is the most effective tool to help children get rid of bedwetting. The solution against bedwetting is to work with your child against bedwetting. Your support as a parent/guardian, is crucial in this process.
It is important to sound the alarm if being potty-trained at night with the bedwetting alarm takes more than three months. At that point it is important to look for the cause of bedwetting with your doctor and perhaps the doctor will come up with other solutions to prevent bedwetting.
Medication against bedwetting
Another solution against bedwetting is the use of medication. If the bedwetting alarm does not provide a solution against bedwetting, medication may be a solution against bedwetting. This medication ensures that less urine is produced by the kidneys. This medication is only prescribed if potty-training with a bedwetting alarm is not successful or not possible.
If you have any questions about the Dryly bedwetting alarm, you can always contact us by email at [email protected] or call customer service on 085 130 34 35. We are open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. and will be happy to help you.
