Getting Bedwetting Under Control

An excerpt from Perfect Parenting, The Dictionary of 1,000 Parenting Tips

By Elizabeth Pantley

Question: My child is out of diapers but continues to wet the bed. Why are we still having the problem? How can we get this under control?

Think about it: Bedwetting has come out of the closet and is now recognized as a common childhood problem. Twenty percent of 5-year-olds and 10 percent of 6-year-olds routinely wet their beds. This behavior is purely a symptom of an immature bladder system, and for most children, the problem will disappear when they get a little older. The following ideas may help speed the process along.

If your child is 5 or younger the easy solution is to allow your child to wear disposable padded underwear to bed. These disposable pants are readily available and can be purchased where diapers are sold. Let your child put them on and off by himself, and tell him that when he's ready to wear underwear to bed to just let you know. The more low-key you are about this issue the easier it will be for your child to make the step to underwear. Many young children sleep very deeply and simply don't wake up to use the toilet.

If your child is over 5, the first step is to arrange for him to have a complete physical. Let the doctor know in advance what your concern is so that your child isn't embarrassed at the doctor's office. If there are any health problems your doctor can identify them and help solve the problem. Ask your doctor about PNE (Primary Nocturnal Enuresis) which is caused by a hormone deficiency that causes bedwetting and can be treated with a prescription nasal spray.