Solution against bedwetting

Does your child still regularly suffer from bedwetting and you're not sure where to start? You're not the only parent struggling with this. Bedwetting is a common problem in children, fortunately there are several effective ways to tackle it. In this article you will read all about bedwetting, possible causes and what can be a good solution for bedwetting.

When is bedwetting a problem?

Bedwetting, or enuresis nocturna, means that a child unconsciously empties his/her bladder while sleeping. It occurs mostly in young children and in most cases is part of the child's normal development. It is only perceived as problematic when the child is of an age where it can reasonably be expected to no longer occur.

The Dutch Society of General Practitioners has established the following guidelines:

• 5 years of age 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

In such a case, it is wise to actively seek a solution, especially if the child himself suffers from this.

How often does bedwetting occur?

As a parent, you really don't have to worry if your child doesn't stay dry every night. About 15% of five-year-olds still wet the bed regularly. In children between the ages of six and eight, that percentage drops to 6-8%. Above all, it shows that bedwetting is common and that it usually reduces on its own. But if it persists, it's good to look at what bedwetting solution is right for your child.

Possible causes of bedwetting

Before choosing an effective approach, it is important to first understand what causes bedwetting. Not every child wets the bed for the same reason. Below are some possible causes:

• Deep sleep: Some children are not awakened by the full bladder, this is the most common reason of bedwetting for children 5 years of age or older
• Still immature bladder function: The bladder is not yet able to store urine for an entire night
• Hormonal factors: The body does not produce enough antidiuretic hormone at night, therefore more urine is produced
• Stress or tension: Changes at home or school can have an impact, a child with a lot of tension has a higher chance of bedwetting
• Heredity: If parents used to wet the bed for a long time, their child is more likely to suffer from it as well

If you know where the problem comes from, you can look for an appropriate solution against bedwetting.

Important prerequisite: potty training during the day

A child should almost always be able to stay dry during the day before you start tackling bedwetting. Is your child not yet potty-trained during the day? Then it is often better to focus on that first. It's also nice if your child is self-motivated to stay dry at night. Without that motivation, it will be a lot harder to use a bedwetting solution.

What is the best bedwetting solution?

Fortunately, there are several effective ways to address bedwetting. Which method works best depends on your child and the situation at home. Below are the most proven methods:

Bedwetting alarm training: The bedwetting alarm is the most successful method of potty training your child during the night. The device wakes your child at the first drop of urine in the pants. This is because there is a child-friendly transmitter inside the underwear that transmits the signal to the receiver. This teaches the child to gradually wake up faster until the child knows for himself when to wake up. This takes some patience and perseverance, but it is the most effective solution for bedwetting.

For example, the Dryly bedwetting method ensures that 93% of children over 5 years old are fully potty trained within 6 - 8 weeks!

Structure and bladder training during the day: Have your child pee at set times, even when they don't have to yet. This trains the bladder and teaches your child to recognize signals of urge. This method supports a long-term solution.

Limit drinking before bedtime: Make sure your child drinks enough during the day, but reduce fluid intake in the last two hours before bedtime. No more soda or milk after dinner also helps. It sounds simple, but this can already make a big difference.

Reward and stay positive: It is important that your child feels supported. A system of rewards such as stickers or small compliments for dry nights can work wonders. A positive approach is often a powerful part of training.

Medication in consultation with the doctor: Sometimes medication is needed, such as desmopressin, which reduces urine production at night. This solution is often used only when other methods have insufficient effect, this is always under the supervision of a doctor.

What is the solution to bedwetting?

Whatever the best solution is, the most important thing is that your child feels supported and understood at all times. Bedwetting never happens on purpose and punishment is counterproductive. Stay positive, be patient and understanding.

Of all the methods out there, the bedwetting alarm often proves to be the most successful solution in practice. It helps children become aware of their bodies and teaches them to wake up at night when the bladder is full. It sometimes requires some commitment and perseverance, but that is precisely why the bedwetting alarm is a proven and lasting solution to bedwetting.

Whether you start with a bedwetting alarm, work on a better rhythm or reward your child for dry nights. There is always an appropriate approach. With the right guidance, most children manage to be completely dry within a few.