Types of Bed Wetting
There are two kinds of bed wetting. These include:
- Primary bed wetting– It occurs in children who are unable to hold their bladder despite attaining the age at which they are expected to.
- Secondary bed wetting- It is a recurrent form of bed wetting. It recurs after a child has been able to control their bladder at night for a period of six months or more.
What Causes Bed Wetting?
Experts often associate bed wetting with deep sleep. This means that your child’s bladder is full but he or she doesn’t wake up to pee. Other causes include:
- Production of more urine at night or having smaller bladders
- Having poor toilet habits during the day
- Constipation may cause bedwetting due to the bowel pressing on the bladder
- Urinary tract infection. This is common in girls.
- Neurological abnormalities, which can interfere with urination control
- Excessive intake of fluids before bedtime
Complications from Bed Wetting
While normal bed-wetting may not cause health problems, your child may experience the following effects:
- Low esteem due to embarrassment and guilt
- Lack of social opportunities such as sleepovers
- Rashes on their bottoms if they sleep in their underwear
Why Does Night Training Take Longer?
Night training involves keeping the nappy on when your child goes to bed. This act tends to take long because it needs the children to determine if they are wet on their own. Using nappies may also reduce the motivation to use the toilet. You may learn about day training on Toilet Training Your Child.
Tips to Help Your Child with Bed wetting
Here are some home remedies to help your child stop wetting his or her bed:
- Reduce your child’s fluid intake before going to bed
- Plan a sleeping routine where your child pees in the toilet before going to sleep
- Help your child understand how essential it is to wake up and use the toilets
- You may reward your child for every time their bed remains dry
- Ensure that your child has a convenient and safe access to the toilet
- Focus on the issue and not the child
- Offer an emotionally supportive environment
Disclaimers:
Please note that development differs from one child to another.
Content intended for educational purposes only, and not a substitute for medical advice from your doctor.
Be careful when using any products mentioned on this website. We hold no regulations for such products or their providers.
Last reviewed March 2019
Sources: caringforkids, health.clevelandclinic, kidshealth
