Potty training is considered complete after gradually removing the diaper during the day and the child is finally ready to sleep at night without a diaper. Everything goes well in the beginning until frequent episodes of bedwetting start happening. Even older children who already have mature urinary systems can have these bedwetting “accidents.” The important thing is knowing how to handle them appropriately so that both the child and the parents can deal with the situation in a satisfactory way. So, how do you handle bedwetting in children over 5 years old?

Even adults can have episodes of bedwetting, let alone a child. The key is in how you manage the situation, right? Bedwetting can happen for several reasons or situations that may cause stress, including the arrival of a younger sibling, changing schools, something happening in the family that affects their minds, or even as a way to get attention. But bedwetting can also be caused by medical conditions such as urinary incontinence. Younger children may have less control over their bladder during the night; the immaturity in controlling the urinary system can still result in the occasional bedwetting accident. But the important thing is not to shame the child. With recurring episodes of bedwetting, the cause should be investigated.

Nocturnal enuresis occurs quite frequently among older children. It is very important for parents to be attentive to the problem and, if it recurs, to take the child to the pediatrician for evaluation. Nocturnal enuresis, which is a condition that can affect children ages 5 to 12, is very common and has some symptoms such as:

  • Urine leakage even during the day
  • Recurring urinary tract infections with pain when urinating
  • Inability to hold even a small amount of urine

Usually, bedwetting can bring embarrassment to older children—the problem goes beyond just wetting the bed. Nocturnal enuresis is often a hormonal, physical, or psychological problem. How can you treat and prevent bedwetting? Bedwetting may be caused by the absence or deficiency of a hormone called vasopressin, which can significantly decrease during the child’s sleep, resulting in increased urine production. That’s when bedwetting happens! The most common reasons for bedwetting can also be from drinking too much liquid in the evening, as well as bladder problems, changes in the bladder muscles, or their ability to hold urine. There’s also a psychological aspect—children who are upset or stressed may urinate even while sleeping, without meaning to. This tends to be temporary and usually stops on its own once the stressful factor leaves the child’s life.

Ways to Treat Enuresis and Put an End to Bedwetting

Bedwetting, in the vast majority of cases, goes away on its own over time, as the child grows and their organs mature. However, a doctor should be consulted to check if there is any medical reason preventing the child from staying dry at night during the night. Some measures can be taken by parents so that the child is better evaluated by a doctor:

  • Limiting children’s access to excessive fluids in the evening may help reduce bedwetting.

  • Encourage the child to go to the bathroom before going to bed, and if possible, have an adult take them to the bathroom during the night. Children may urinate even while sleeping—just talk to them and encourage them to go pee.

  • Teach the habit of going to the bathroom whenever they need to, and to avoid being too lazy to go in the morning.

  • Suggest exercises to strengthen the bladder muscles—trying to stop the urine mid-flow when urinating can help with this strengthening.

Medication can be used, but it is only recommended as a last resort since drugs to reduce urine at night can cause certain side effects such as abdominal pain and even allergic reactions to the medication. Psychological support should be given alongside medical treatment with medication. Both should go together for the best effectiveness.

If the case does not require medication and just needs some parental help, there are methods that can be used. One way to help a bedwetting child get through this phase is using rewards—each night or after a set number of nights dry, the child can earn a prize they want or enjoy. It could be outings, small gifts, or other rewards.

Having the child help wash the bedding can also help; showing them the consequence of an extra glass of juice before bed may be effective. Understanding the importance of reducing fluids for a dry night is very important for children over 5 years old—it certainly makes what the parents say more impactful because they see the consequences. If fear is what keeps the child from going to the bathroom at night, using a potty chair in the bedroom can help. This type has a lid and the child doesn’t even need to leave the room to relieve their bladder. An important point is not to ridicule the child for bedwetting in front of friends or relatives. Even if they are older, the embarrassment of still wetting the bed can worsen and aggravate the problem. Seeing a doctor is essential if enuresis becomes routine—parents should seek help to resolve bedwetting.

Author’s note: I had a very close experience with nocturnal enuresis. Bedwetting was frequent and often happened at the wrong time and place. We decided to consult a doctor, who found nothing wrong. It was just too much fluid at night and a bit of laziness about going to the bathroom at night. Talking with my child, I learned he was afraid to go by himself in the middle of the night, so I suggested he call me or his dad if he needed to go. That’s how we solved the bedwetting issue. We also started taking him to the bathroom even while he was asleep. He does it just fine—it does require a bit of help, like holding or seating him—but that’s part of it. Anything to help my little guy grow up without trauma and with a dry bed!

See also: First Baby Teeth – When Do They Appear and What Are the Symptoms?

Photo: thejbird