Last updated: August 2020 | Time to read: 2 mins
Superhero tips to stop bedwetting
Helping end your child’s bedwetting may seem impossible.
Be your child’s superhero by trying these tips at home.
These tips are also a great way to involve your child and this may help them overcome bedwetting.
Routine Read more
A good winding down routine each night may help the brain release a hormone (vasopressin) which helps reduce the amount of wee produced at night. Sleeping in a darkened bedroom and avoiding electronic devices can also help release vasopressin. Keeping a routine of a regular bedtime can help your child have dry nights.
Water-based drinks Read more
Making sure your child is having enough fluids (at least six water-based drinks) evenly spaced throughout the day can reduce the risk of constipation. Ensuring their last drink is at least an hour before bed may help with their night-time bedwetting.
Caffeinated and fizzy drinks Read more
Avoiding fizzy drinks and caffeinated drinks (e.g. coffee, tea, cola and hot chocolate) may also help reduce the chances of bedwetting. Keeping tabs on what your child is drinking may help pinpoint drinks that may be the cause of their bedwetting.
Diet Read more
Ensuring your child has a healthy and balanced diet, and is eating at the right times could help stop bedwetting. Avoid foods that are high in salt or protein an hour before bed. While you are asleep, the body gets rid of extra salt and protein through weeing, so these foods before bed could make bedwetting worse.
Toileting Read more
Your child should go to the toilet as soon as they feel the need. Making sure your child goes to the toilet regularly throughout the day and just before they settle to sleep will help keep them dry at night. Ensuring your child has easy access to the toilet or potty during the night (such as keeping a potty or bucket in their room) can help.
No ‘night-time nappy’ trial Read more
Giving your child a ‘no night-time nappy’ trial for 3–4 days can also help your child overcome their bedwetting. If they stay dry, try a longer trial until they are regularly dry at night.
Rewards Read more
Many children need some encouragement to help themselves become dry and the use of reward charts and stickers can be helpful. During the day, rewards can be given for good behaviour such as drinking the right amount of fluids, using the toilet before bed and/or helping to change the bed sheets. However, rewards should not be given for dry nights, as this is something the child cannot control consciously. Instead verbal praise should be used following dry nights.
If you have specific questions or concerns, talk to your child's doctor, school nurse, health visitor or pharmacist.
Bladder and Bowel UK offer a confidential helpline. If you would like to speak to someone, email: bbuk@disabledliving.co.uk or phone: 0161 214 4591. You can also visit this website for more information: www.bbuk.org.uk/children-young-people/children-resources.
Support, information and resources are also available from ERIC, The Children’s Bowel and Bladder Charity: www.eric.org.uk and their freephone helpline: 0808 169 9949
This website is intended for UK residents only.
Job code: UK-MN-2000012 | Date of preparation: August 2020