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At last you’ve made it through the challenges of potty training, happily tossing out plastic sheets and giving away the last of your diaper stockpile.  Your child is home free, isn’t he? 

For up to 20% of 5 to 10 year-olds, there is another hurdle to clear: nighttime bedwetting.  While the causes are many and can vary even from sibling to sibling, the result is the same: wet sheets, embarrassed kids, and frustrated parents. 

Thankfully, this is a problem most kids will simply outgrow by age 15 on their own.  Until then, understand that the reasons for your child’s bedwetting are out of his or her control and adding stress to the situation will only cause additional hardship. 

Try these 5 tips instead to help minimize the severity and stress of bedwetting:

#1 - Dry Bed Sheets Equals Less Stress

Some children prefer disposable underpants but others need another option.  The new GoodNites® Bed Mats provide a soft yet highly absorbent surface to soak up nighttime accidents and protect your child’s mattress.  Cleanups are a cinch – just peel the adhesive pad off the bed sheet, dispose in the trash and lay out a fresh pad.  Less effort for parent and child means everyone can get back to sleep more quickly, which in turn means less stress.
 
#2 - Drink Water

Keep your child hydrated, as restricting water can lead to dehydration and contribute to constipation which in turn can have an effect on bladder function. Schedule a final potty break right before bedtime, and if needed, a second potty break later at night to relieve your child's bladder.

#3 - Practice Makes Perfect

Practice waking up and going to the bathroom twice each night before going to sleep. Heavy sleepers may not feel the urge to pee in the middle of the night, but lighter sleepers can try to establish a habit of getting up as needed to use the bathroom.  Use nightlights or a fun flashlight to illuminate the route from bedroom to bathroom so that your child won’t be afraid of walking through a dark house.

#4 - Talk To Your Child

Younger children need gentle reminders about “feeling it” and heading to the potty as soon as possible without having to ask for permission first.  Older kids need your reassurance that you recognize accidents are not their fault, and that you’re proud of them whether they have a wet or dry night.  Make sure they know that it’s only a matter of time before this will go away – they are not stuck with this problem forever.
 
#5 - Stay Away From Problem Foods

Food allergies or intolerances can also be triggers for bedwetting.  Some children benefit from avoiding the “Five Cs”: caffeine, chocolate, citrus, carbonation, and excess Vitamin C.  Dairy milk may also be a culprit, along with certain food additives (e.g. preservatives, artificial colours, etc). 

Have you battled with nighttime bedwetting?  What were some of your successful strategies?

Tip: running to the store for some Bed Mats? Don't forget your $1 off printable coupon here!