More general tips to help prevent bedwetting
Getting up
Make sure there are no hidden fears or problems about getting up at night. For example, fear of the dark or spiders, getting up from a top bunk, etc. Try leaving the bathroom light on.
Drinks
Restricting drinks sounds sensible, but it does not help to cure bedwetting. The bladder has to get used to filling up and holding on to urine. If you limit drinks all day then the bladder cannot 'train itself up'. A sensible plan is to give drinks to your child if he or she is thirsty in the 2-3 hours before bedtime, but not to have extra drinks for pleasure such as cans of lemonade. Do not restrict drinks for the rest of the day. Most children should drink about 6-8 cups of fluid a day. Also, as mentioned above, tea, coffee, cola, and chocolate may make bedwetting worse. So these are best avoided in the few hours before bedtime.
Lifting
It is common practice to wake children up to take them to the toilet several hours after they go to sleep. However, this 'lifting' is of little use, and may even prolong the problem. The child has to get used to waking up when their bladder is full. Children often do not remember being lifted, and it usually does not help to achieve their own bladder control. However, make sure your child goes to the toilet just before bedtime.
Constipation
If your child is constipated, see a doctor for advice and treatment. Treatment of constipation often cures bedwetting too. (In one study, about 1 in 3 children with persistent constipation had a problem with bedwetting. Treatment of the constipation also cured the bedwetting in 2 out of 3 of those who had a problem with bedwetting.)
Nights away
A common worry is that staying at friends or relatives will be embarrassing. However, it is not uncommon to find the bedwetting stops for the nights away in a strange bed. A few days away with an understanding relative or friend may result in dry nights. This may be a very positive experience and encouraging for your child.
Practical measures
Use waterproof covers for mattress and duvet, and use absorbent quilted sheets. A moisturiser cream is useful to rub on the skin that is likely to become wet to prevent chaffing and soreness.
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