Tackling bedwetting these holidays

With busy lives and competing priorities, it can be difficult to find the time to dedicate to assisting your child to stop bedwetting.

Achieving dryness is a process that might require persistent effort, and it can take anywhere from several weeks through to several months. That’s why these school holidays might be an opportune time to get started.

One of the most common ways to treat bedwetting, is the use of a bedwetting alarm. This helps teach your child to become aware when their bladder is full during the night, and to wake to go to the toilet.

Six to eight weeks is the expected time frame to initially test the use of an alarm, making these summer holidays a great time to give it a try. The alarm should continue to be used until your child achieves 14 consecutive dry nights. Often, a child will not be able to wake up by themselves during the first weeks of using the alarm, so it may be necessary for you to help them wake up and go to the bathroom immediately as soon as the alarm sounds.

Frequent follow-up with your healthcare or continence professional is an important part of this process. For example, a consultation after two weeks of using the alarm is suggested to provide encouragement and solve any technical problems you may be experiencing. If there are no positive changes after the initial six to eight weeks, it is recommended that you stop using the alarm and chat to your doctor or continence professional about other options.

So if you’re thinking about starting the process, now is a good time to get going. Starting early could mean your child is more likely to start the new year dry.

References

1. Nevéus T. 2011 Pediatr Nephrol 26:1207–14. DOI 10.1007/s00467-011-1762-8
2. Continence Foundation of Australia. Tips for bedwetting children who want to enjoy a sleepover. Available online: http://www.continence.org.au/resources.php/01tA0000001b1cHIAQ/tips-for-bedwetting-children-who-want-to-enjoy-a-sleepover (Accessed 9 December 2016)
3. Continence Foundation of Australia. Bedwetting alarms and medications. Available online: http://www.continence.org.au/pages/bedwetting-alarms-and-medications.html (Last accessed 16 Nov 2016)