Worried about your toddler wetting the bed? Here are some facts you need to know about the myths that surround bed wetting in children.

Myth # 1: Bed wetting is a sign of laziness.

Fact: Bed wetters have no control over their condition so blaming your toddler when he has wet the bed is not only erroneous but it will only make him feel bad about himself. Some toddlers have trouble waking up causing them to disregard the internal signal to pee while others have a functionally small bladder (they get a feeling that their bladder is full before it is) causing them to urinate.

Myth # 2: Toddlers who are bed wetters have emotional issues.

Fact: Psychological problems such as low self-esteem, anxiety or fear do not, in any way, cause toddlers to wet their beds. However, cases such as divorce of parents, death of a loved one or transferring to a new city may trigger bed wetting in a toddler who has been dry.

Myth # 3: Boys wet the bed more than girls.

Fact: True, gender plays a factor when it comes to bed wetting in children. Reports show that both toddler boys and girls are bed wetters, but, only 1/3 of bed wetting children are girls.

Myth # 4: Bed wetting is inherited.

Fact: Bed wetting tends to run in families. If you have a history of enuresis in your family, there is a 70% chance your toddler will become a bed wetter.

Myth # 5: Diapers can help stop bed wetting.

Fact: Making your toddler wear a diaper at night will not help him outgrow bed wetting on his own. But, it will keep your toddler from waking up wet and spare you the trouble of changing and washing bed covers repeatedly.

Myth # 6: Potty trained toddlers do not wet the bed.

Fact: Even though your little one knows how to use the toilet to pee and poop, he is still not free from bed wetting. Urine control is different during the day than it is at night.

Myth # 7: Limiting the amount of fluid intake before sleeping can reduce bed wetting.

Fact: Yes, controlling your toddler’s fluid intake before bedtime lessens the amount of urine released reducing the chances of your child to wet his bed.

Myth # 8: Bed wetters should be punished.

Fact: Again, toddlers do not wet their beds on purpose. Hence, punishing them is unnecessary and it will only increase the humiliation they feel. Instead, talk to your little one and reassure him that it is normal and that it is not his fault.

Myth # 9: Bed wetting is an indication of an underlying medical condition.

Fact: Some cases of bed wetting are triggered by underlying medical issues such as UTI (urinary tract infection), diabetes, sleep apnea and spinal cord problems. It would be best to consult with your doctor and have your toddler examined.

Bed wetting is only a phase most children go through during toddlerhood so you need not worry too much. As long as you help your toddler feel in control of the situation, he will overcome this setback in no time.

Bed wetting is normal. It is part of a toddler’s development. However, it is important that you know its specific cause so you can prevent and treat it. Here are some common causes of bed wetting in children.

Hereditary

Bed wetting can be hereditary. Your toddler may be a bet wetter if both you and your husband were bed wetters when you were young. If this is the case, you do not have to worry since your toddler will simply outgrow it.

Medical Problems

Experts suggest that toddlers may suffer from an underlying medical condition that may be playing a large role in their bed wetting problem. Chronic constipation may be one of these conditions. Lack of regular bowel movements hampers a toddler’s bladder to hold urine which can cause bed wetting at night. Diabetes is another factor. If a toddler is normally dry at night, bed wetting may be the first sign of diabetes. Sleep apnea, a medical condition that causes a disruption in a toddler’s breathing while he sleeps is another reason why a toddler is bed wetting.

Also, if his urine is cloudy or pink, if he has redness or a rash in his genital area, if your toddler strains, feels burning or pain during urination, he may have a urinary tract infection. If you spot any of these signs, call your toddler’s pediatrician as soon as possible.

Inability To Recognize A Full Bladder

A nerve that controls the bladder sends a message to his brain that will alert him that his bladder is full. However, if the nerve that controls the bladder is slow to mature, a full bladder may not wake your toddler, especially if he is a deep sleeper.

Small Bladder

A small functional bladder is another cause of bed wetting in children. Your toddler’s bladder may not be developed enough to hold urine produced during the night.

Transitions

Toddlers feel stressed when major changes happen in their lives. For instance, they may start having bed wetting problems as they enter their school age, the arrival of a new baby in the family or changes in the family structure can trigger bed wetting. Over time, your toddler will cope and learn to adjust with these changes so this problem may just simply be resolved on its own. However, if bed wetting persists, you may need to seek professional help.

Psychological Issues

Your toddler’s bed wetting problems may have an underlying emotional cause, particularly home-related problems. He may not feel that he is safe in his own home due to certain circumstances such as divorce of parents, alcoholism and drug abuse of parents, if he is being abused or is suffering the loss of someone close to him. These psychological related issues need to be addressed professionally as soon as possible. He may need counseling as well as other forms of therapy to help him recover quickly.

Bed wetting can be a trying time for parents and children. It is an inevitable part of growing up, but it does not have to be traumatic.

Bed wetting is a common problem in toddlers which usually occur because children’s muscles are still undeveloped to control their bladder. But with a few easy steps, parents can help stop bed wetting. Here is how you can do it.

Limit Fluid Intake

Limiting is different from forbidding so never make your little one feel like he is being punished. Giving your baby a glass of water at least two hours before bedtime allows your toddler to empty his bladder before going to bed. Also, avoid giving caffeinated drinks throughout the day as they may increase urine production.

Bladder Training

Assure your toddler that he can inform you every time he needs to pee. Using a hand signal is also a nice way to train your toddler. Do this every morning so it becomes a part of his daily routine. The more he drinks and pees during daytime, the more practice he gets which is very useful in preventing bed wetting. At night, make sure your toddler pees before sleeping. In this way, you can find out the number of times your toddler wets and the volume with which he wets.

Lifting Method

A common technique used by parents, lifting involves making sure your toddler goes to the bathroom right before his bedtime and then waking him up a few hours later so you can take him to the toilet. Do this two times every night, one after 2 hours of sleeping and another during the wee hours of the morning. This strategy takes time but eventually it will pay off.

Use a Bed Wetting Alarm

Also called a urinary bed alarm or moisture alarm, this device is known as the most effective bed wetting treatment. It has a wetness sensor you can attach to your toddler’s pajama that is attached to an alarm box connected to the shirt. Each time your child feels like urinating, the sensor will detect moisture and vibrate to alert your toddler to wake up and go to the bathroom. These alarms are child-friendly, battery-operated and are also available in wireless models.

Never Pressure or Scold The Toddler

Helping your baby stay dry and stop bed wetting requires your full cooperation and encouragement. If he wets himself at night, just smile, help him clean up and reassure him that it is alright. This will erase his fear of punishment and help boost his self-confidence. Let him assist you in changing his bed sheets to encourage him to go to the bathroom at night so you no longer have to change his covers the next day.

Reward Dry Nights

Nothing makes a child happier than getting a prize for a good deed. Let him pick the reward he wants – a visit to the amusement park, his favorite toy or eating burgers at your local diner. This will motivate your toddler every night to try and have a dry bed.

Bed wetting is a normal phase children go through with. So stop fretting, relax and be patient. Staying dry all night is a developmental skill almost all children achieve in time, whether by sleeping through the night without urinating or by getting up to use the bathroom.