How do I encourage 4yr old daughter to empty her bladder through the night, she isn't aware of need to go?

Question

4 yr old, she is very active through the day and uses the toilet on her own, she seems to be struggling at night, she goes to loo prior to bed then I get her up at 10:30 then at 05:30 to use the loo but by these times damage is already done, she wants her friends to sleep over but we need to help her resolve this challenge first, your advice and ideas would be apppreciated, she gets quite upset when she wakes and realises what has happened (we don't make an issue of it with her, we explain that dry nights will come with time and practice!)

Answer 1

I would put her in dry night pants until the problem resolves itself - she is still quite young and this is not that unusual. I would limit her intake of liquids after tea time. It will all resolve itself in the end.

Answer 2

Sometimes, it's just an overactive bladder, immature and small. Keep her in pullups so she doesnt feel bad emotionally and it keeps her dry. If she's wetting the bed a lot she could be stressed out everynight prior to going to bed worrying about it and not getting good sleep!
Dont allow her any beverages with sugar or caffiene at least 2hrs prior to her normal bedtime, and what she may drink keep it to a minimum. Even if she's emptying her bladder she still may have lots of fluids to waste thru the night if she's drinking too much in the hours prior to bedtime. Friends sleeping over at 4yrs is too much excitement for one so young. Let her have some good nite's rests for several years before such a thing. You'll catch up on some sleep too. :)

Answer 3

I used to take my daughter to the toilet even if she was asleep,the mere action of sitting her on the toilet made her pee.Also I gave her little rewards if she made it through the night without wetting without making it a big issue.If you get up during the night to use the loo take an extra five minutes and take your daughter too,and it doesnt disturb them as much as you might think

Answer 4

Don't give her drinks after 7.00pm 10.30 to 5.30 is too long she could be a heavy sleeper you should get her up at about 2.30 and 5.00am even if she is asleep putting her on the toilet will make her go if she needs to. good luck sometimes it takes time but keep with it you'll get there.