Introduction
Your child is more likely to learn to control their bladder if you are relaxed and calm about it. Your child will learn at their own pace. Remember that praise rather than punishment will help. Between the ages of three and four years your child is likely to be dry during the day with the occasional accident. This is a gradual process where more and more nights will be dry nights also.
Bedwetting
It is not easy to know why some children take longer to be dry at night than others. However, bedwetting is not due to laziness or lack of willpower. Some children - in fact one in six seven year-olds bed wet. Although this may be stressful for both you and the child, try not to lose your patience. It is rare for a child to wet or soil deliberately. If, after the age of seven, your child continually wets their bed, the problem may be caused by a number of factors. Talk to your child about it, reassure them that other older children experience this too. Discuss any concerns about your child with your GP, health visitor or school nurse.
Sleeping difficulties
There are many different reasons why babies and young children do not sleep through the night. Try to establish a sleep routine as early as six weeks if possible. Feel confident in yourself to know whether your child is really distressed or just restless. If your sleep is frequently disrupted by your child's restlessness arrange for a trusted friend or relative to care for your baby or child so that you can get some sleep. Many children and babies experience sleeping difficulties at some time. It is important to try to establish a regular night-time sleep routine for your child by putting them to bed at a regular time each night. Prepare a warm, comfortable environment for them to relax in. Reading to your child at bedtime helps your child to unwind and relax. If your child is scared of the dark, try keeping a night light on. A few favourite toys in the bed will be a comfort if your child wakes during the night. If you are concerned that you child has serious difficulties getting to sleep, or does not regularly sleep through the night, discuss your concerns with your GP, health visitor or school nurse.
In summary
- As a rule children do not wet or soil deliberately. Check there is nothing worrying your child, make sure they know they can share any worries with you
- Try to determine if there is a particular time when your child wets or soils. It is estimated that 1 in 4 of three year-olds and 1 in 6 of five year-olds repeatedly wet the bed
- Make sure your child goes to the toilet immediately before going to bed
- Bedwetting may be a sign of a physical problem, but more often your child will learn bladder control at their own pace
- See your GP or health visitor if you have concerns
- Each child's sleep pattern is different. Try to establish a regular routine
- If your child often wakes in the night try to find out why he or she has woken. For example a horrid bad dream or hunger might be the cause
For further advice see your GP or health visitor. To find your nearest GP or health visitor visit the NHS Direct website.
Helpline contact numbers:
Enuresis Resource and Information Centre (ERIC): 0117 960 3060
Cry-sis - offers support for families with excessively crying, sleepless and demanding babies: 08451 228 649
For further information and advice please see the 'Other websites' section on this page.