Nighttime accidents are common in preschool and young school age children. Although the frequency decreases as children get older, it helps to be prepared at any age. Accidents can happen when you least expect them!
Triggers for accidents include:
- Being overly tired
- Having a later than usual dinner or snacks
- Forgetting to urinate in the toilet before bed
- A change of schedule, such as the start of the school year, end of the school year or having an evening babysitter
- Being much more active during the day
- Being ill
- Constipation
- Starting a new medication
- Travel, especially change of time zones
Even the best parents cannot prevent these triggers but it helps to be prepared.
Ways to be prepared:
- Remind your child to void twice before going to bed, about 30 minutes apart
- Know that your child is not wetting on purpose, so scolding and punishment are not warranted
- Protect the mattress with a waterproof zippered cover
- Assure your child that you won’t be upset but they must tell you when wetting happens so you can wash the sheets and underwear
If nighttime wetting happens frequently:
- Have urine checked to make sure there are no medical problems
- Make sure your child has regular bowel movements
- Use a washable, waterproof pad with tuck-in sides on top of the sheet
- Consider using a bedwetting alarm to help develop the brain-bladder connection
