Bed-wetting

Bed-wetting is very common in preschoolers, especially boys. It happens when your child’s bladder is not fully developed or when your child has trouble sensing what a full bladder feels like.

Stress also may add to the problem. For instance, family changes, such as a new baby in the house, can cause a toddler to start wetting the bed.

Experts advise the following strategies for handling bed-wetting:

• If your child wets the bed, do not blame or punish him. He cannot help it.
• Have your child use the toilet before bedtime. Also, avoid giving him lots of liquids at night.
• Cover the child’s mattress with a plastic or rubber cover.
• If your child is older, gently ask him to help you change the sheets after a bedwetting episode. This can help teach the child responsibility.

Most children outgrow bed-wetting. If your school-age child is wetting the bed on a frequent basis, you might want to talk to your pediatrician. Special devices and medicines are available that can help children get over bed-wetting.