2. Encourage daytime fluid intake
While it may seem counterintuitive, encouraging your child to drink plenty of fluids during the day can actually help reduce bedwetting at night. This will help your child's bladder get used to holding larger amounts of urine and reduce the need to go during the night.
3. Limit nighttime fluids
While it's important for your child to stay hydrated during the day, it's a good idea to limit fluids one hour before bedtime. This will give your child's body time to process and eliminate any excess fluids before they go to bed.
4. Make sure your child goes to the bathroom before bed
Encourage your child to use the bathroom before bed to empty their bladder, even if they say that they don't need it. This will reduce the likelihood of accidents during the night.
5. Provide comfortable bedding
As discussed in our previous blog post, providing comfortable and easy-to-clean bedding can help your child feel comfortable and confident during the night.
6. Stay positive and supportive
It's important that you stay positive and supportive when dealing with bedwetting. This can help your child feel less anxious and more confident about their situation. Remember to praise them for their efforts and progress and reassure them that bedwetting is a common issue that many children and adults alike experience.
7. Use a night light
A night light can provide a sense of comfort and security for your child during the night. It can also make it easier for them to navigate their way to the bathroom if they need to go or to change their bedding if they have an accident.
8. Consider bedwetting alarms
Bedwetting alarms can be a useful tool for helping your child recognize when they need to go to the bathroom during the night. The bedwetting alarms work by sounding an alarm when moisture is detected, in effect waking your child up and prompting them to go to the bathroom. Such alarms are often recommended by GPs and other healthcare professionals.
9. Encourage relaxation techniques
If your child is feeling anxious or stressed about bedwetting, practising relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization exercises can help them calm down and feel calmer before bedtime.
10. Don't use pull-ups!
Some children don't get up to the toilet in the middle of the night because they know they're wearing a pull-up. Pull-ups also don't give the 'wet feeling' once the accident happens so your child won't wake up. Letting your child sleep in pyjamas on the waterproof mattress protector will help to solve the bedwetting faster.
11. Talk to your child's GP
If bedwetting persists despite your efforts, it's a good idea to talk to your child's GP. They can help determine if there is an underlying medical issue that needs to be addressed, or if further interventions are necessary.
Remember: every child is different and what works for one child, may not work for another. It's important to be patient and persistent when working on managing bedwetting. With time, effort, and support, your child can overcome this challenge and get a good night's sleep!