Please Help with Bed Wetting

Hi C.,
Looks like you got lots of good advice. If you've ruled out medical reasons for bedwetting, something I did with my niece when she was wetting the bed was to pull her out of bed when I was going to bed, put her on the toilet, and she would basically pee in her sleep. It didn't wake her up, but it stopped the bedwetting until her bladder could handle it.
good luck,
Colleen

There's nothing wrong with putting him in pullups and very lovingly explaining that it's no big deal and right now it'll just help him keep the bed dry until he's ready to wear undies to bed again. Don't rush it -- as others said, there are probably very reasonable explanations including now that he is older, he is drinking more fluids but his bladder hasn't grown enough to catch up. Anyway, IMO it is amazing that he was able to keep the bed dry at 2 1/2 yo, and you should realize that most children (esp boys) are often in pullups for a long time past 4 yo.

My son also had trouble with wetting the bed and no memory of doing it. Due to other issues, we were seeing a pediatric urologist. There are some urlogical problems that can be assoicated to bedwetting. We ruled those out and learned that this is common with boys. It can become worse (more frequent) during a growth spurt. Some measures you can try to help . . .

1. Cut fluids 2 hours before bedtime.

2. Make sure he isn't constipated. This could be the case even if he poops regularly. The pressure from the constipation can contribute to the bed wetting.

3. Set a timer to take him potty every 2 hours during the day. An overstreched bladder from waiting too long during the day can reduce the sensation to go during the night.

4. Take him to the potty 2-3 hours after he has gone to bed. If he doesn't wake when he wets, he probably won't even remember getting up to go. We had to carry our son to the potty every night until he was 7 1/2 years old but were told it could last until pre-teens. We found this the most effective measure to keeping dry through the night.

5. Don't let him feel bad about wetting the bed because it's not his fault.

6. Our issue continued into the time he started going for sleepovers. I just asked the other mom to get him up before she went to bed and we never had an problem.

This is a simplified list of the measures we took. This issue resolved itself for us. Good luck.

Bed wetting can often be a result of food allergy. Even if he has not had a food allergy problem before, he may have developed a food intolerance. (this is easy to do with kids since they have their favorites they want to eat Every day).
Anyways, if you are interested in more information as far as food allergies and bedwetting are concerned, you can contact me. Don't worry, I am not selling anything or representing any company. Just a mom who has an interest in nutrition and holistic medicine for children. =)

C.,
Usually when our boys start something like wetting or pooping it is because we have had some sort of change that upsets their routine; like starting school. Our oldest had to wear pullups until the end of Kindergarten because he couldn't hold it at night. Now our youngest is the same. Our pediatrician said that our boys sleep so sound and that their bodies (bladder) are not developed enough to hold it.
What we use now is the boys pullups for nighttime. They work great. I get them at Walgreens.
Our youngest is a little embarassed but, it keeps him and his bed dry. If he goes a night with staying dry then we make a big deal about it and celebrate.

FYI, a few kids in our sons K class also have this issue of an underdeveloped bladder and still wear pullups at night.

Give him lots of support and don't make a big deal about it. He will be just fine.

Best wishes to you.

Sometimes little ones may do this when something changes in their daily routine or family situation, or when a stressful event occurs like moving, etc... If not though, try cutting off liquids at a certain time each evening. If bedtime is at eight, no liquids after 7:00? A familiar bed routine can help too. Bath, brushing teeth, storytime, then potty before climbing into bed. Positive reinforcement is good. Perhaps a simple chart with special rewards for dry nights? A treat, a special movie, a trip to his favorite park or outing. Make rewards simple, small things for one night clear, and perhaps have bigger rewards for say, a week with no bed wetting. Let your child put stickers on the chart each time he reaches a goal. Kids love to see their accomplishments! Each child is different, and they all figure it out eventually, so hang in there. Another possible issue could be kidney infections. Check with his pediatrician if it persists. Increase water intake, and if your little guy complains of burning when he goes, that is a possibility. I had them frequently as a child and it did affect me at night. Hope some of these ideas help! :0)