Any tips on training a 4 year old to stop wetting the bed?

Question

He's potty trained except for night time and rarely has accidents during naps (except when he forgets to use the bathroom before his nap).

There is no pressure on him. We don't make it a big deal or anything. He wears pull-ups now so it's just his pull-ups that are wet in the morning. I just wanted some ideas from other parents to hear what they have done.

Answer 1

Absolutely no drinks before bed time. Get them up around eleven or midnight and encourage them to pee in the toilet (without waking them up). Take them to the toilet and quietly tell them that they should now pee. If necessary you can do the pss pss pss hissing noise gently in their ear. When they've finished, quietly tell them good boy/girl and put them back to bed. NEVER scold them for wetting the bed and never make a deal out of it, as nervousness can be a contributing factor. Never discuss it within earshot of the child. Good luck.

Answer 2

It's important to understand that this is in no way voluntary. Also realize that it's psychophysiological (it's rooted in the mind based on some physical factor, like genes). Several adults wet the bed, and simply cannot help it--I know a Ph.D. who wets the bed. Can't be helped. People typically grow out of bed wetting, but parental support is the best way to start on that road. The body usually straightens itself out--not to worry! I strongly recommend not using any form of punishment or discouragement. This is your time as a parent to be 100% supportive of your child, and try to make them feel as little shame as possible. The child's mental well-being is the most important thing right now, since society as a whole mocks people who wet the bed. Children who wet the bed sometimes get medication, which helps fix the problem. I myself hate these solutions, but sometimes they're called for. See your child's doctor and talk it over with him/her. Remember, your child needs your FULL support. Reward when he or she doesn't wet the bed, and you're doing the right thing.

Answer 3

Bed-wetting is not a training issue. Most of the time it's hereditary. Your body produces an Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) at night, some kids don't start producing it until they're older. Just use night-time pull-ups or something similar and wait for the child to grow out of it. For God's sake, don't make it a big deal. You could cause emotional scarring for a few wet sheets.

Answer 4

Night time takes longer, because if he is sleeping soundly he may not wake up in time to go. Make sure he uses the bathroom before bedtime too.

If the problem persists check with his father. bedwetting as a chronic condition appears to have a genetic link. Bets are his dad had the same problem. Then get to the doctor, as there are treatments for the condition. Most children outgrow it, as their bodies mature.

Do NOT under any circumstances blame him, call him lazy, or shame him. It won't help and can lead to other problems.

Answer 5

Don't worry so much... just put pull-ups on him and send him to bed... a lot of children have sensory recognition issues that will get resolved as they get older... especially boys. it will come sooner or later.... believe me I even took my son in for an ultrasound! there was nothing wrong with him... they just fall into a deep sleep and can't get up... don't pressure him. have him wear pull-ups so you don't have to wash so many sheets.... maybe you can get up in the middle of the night once and take him to the bathroom. I did that for a while until he recognized he had to go pee while sleeping.

Answer 6

you can buy this machine that has a buzzer attatched to it and everytime it happens it will sound and he will get up and use the bathroom hopefully before anything happens like before. I dont have the info on it but put in wetting bed techniques and or google it and should come up with something that tells you about it.

Answer 7

It's not a training issue. It's more common then people think and quite normal. Get him those goodnites underwear. He will grow out of it.