Treating bedwetting in a child
bedwetting · enuresis · nighttime wetting · wet bed at night
Enuresis is when a child over 5 wets the bed while asleep. It is common, and it can be treated.
If a child over 5 often wakes up wet, or bedwetting started again after a dry period.
⏱ Duration: the visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes; treatment usually takes several months
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Diary. For a few days, write down how much your child drinks, when they use the toilet, and which nights are wet. This helps the doctor a lot.
- Tests. A urine test is usually needed, sometimes an ultrasound. Ask the clinic.
- Talk. Explain to your child that you are going to the doctor to get help, not to be scolded.
What to bring
- Your child's documents
- The toilet diary
- Past test results
How it goes
- The doctor asks you and your child questions
- Your child is examined
- The doctor looks at the diary and test results
- Sometimes an ultrasound is ordered
- The doctor explains the plan: a drinking schedule, a bedwetting alarm, or medicine
What you'll feel
- The exam is painless
- Improvement is usually gradual, and setbacks happen. This is normal
Afterwards
- Do not scold or punish your child. It does not help
- Praise your child for dry nights
- Keep the diary and show it to the doctor
- Come back as the doctor plans
Common questions
Will it go away on its own?
It often goes away with age, but treatment speeds it up and eases your child's stress. Decide together with the doctor.
Should I wake my child at night?
Waking a child on a schedule usually does not teach them to stay dry. The doctor will tell you what to do in your case.