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Home › Articles › Bedwetting › Hitting the Road: Preparing for Vacation

Hitting the Road: Preparing for Vacation

Tips to Make Things Go Smoothly for the Whole Family

By Teri Brown

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Dr. Danielson also suggests that parents make it easy for their child to get up during the night to get to the bathroom. Before the child goes to bed, practice walking to the bathroom and show him where the light switches are. "Show your child where you or the adult will be sleeping, and reassure him that if he is scared in the middle of the night, someone in charge is close," Dr. Danielson says. "As long as you, the parent, understand that bedwetting is not your child's fault, it will strongly increase your child's ability to deal with it."

If you are visiting relatives or friends, although it can seem uncomfortable at times, it isn't a bad idea to let them know ahead of time that your child wets the bed. Most adults are understanding, and the news of a wet bed will always go over better if you help with the preparation and cleanup of any such mess.

"Additionally, if your hosts can put your child in his own bed or sleeping bag it can reduce the potential cleanup," Dr. Danielson says. "If you can, it may be wise to bring a plastic mattress cover or sleeping bag liner to prevent damage. Bringing along a spare clean set of sheets and pajamas doesn't hurt either."

Tips for a Stress-free Trip

Dr. Benjamin Danielson gives the following tips to help you and your child have a wonderful, stress-free vacation:

  • The key to making it easier is to plan ahead. Think about your trip and where your child will be sleeping. Depending on how, where and when you travel, it may be hard to find places to wash clothes and get fresh sheets if bedwetting occurs, so in this instance it is important to be prepared with extra clothes.
  • If you're camping, bring a waterproof liner for sleeping bags and camper bunks.
  • Avoid letting your child drink liquids after dinner and encourage her to use the toilet right before bedtime.
  • If possible, make it easier for your child to get up in the middle of the night and find the bathroom. If your child has a bedwetting alarm or is young enough to wear diapers, make sure you bring these things with you.
  • If you consult with your primary care doctor, depending on the severity of the condition, they may prescribe medicine such as Desmopressin, which can be used on special occasions. Keep these medicines handy and if you are traveling by airplane put the medicine in your carry-on baggage.
  • If you are staying in a hotel, contact the hotel before you arrive and ask for a roll-away bed in your room as well as an extra set of clean sheets. This will no doubt save some anxiety of wetting a "full bed" for your child and will give everyone peace of mind.
  • If your child does have an accident, handle it calmly and have them help you clean up. Make sure to reassure them that it is OK.


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