The End of Bedwetting? How to Know If Your Child Is Ready

It can happen all at once. Or, your child's bedwetting may begin to clear up over a period of several months. But when a child stays dry more and more often, parents notice. Could this be the end of bedwetting? Every child is different, even when it comes to bedwetting. Some wet the bed every night, others a few times a week. Still others may go several days without incident, only to wet the bed every night for a week. Every child's situation is different, and when they outgrow the problem depends on many factors. And it will happen differently for every child. Sometimes children wake up one day without wetting the bed and it's over for good, while for others it will be more gradual," says Dr. Charles Shubin, a pediatrician and director of pediatrics at Mercy Medical Center Family Care in Baltimore, Maryland. "It's different for every child. Consider the following factors and see how they apply to your child's bedwetting. A look at the numbers To determine when your child will outgrow bedwetting, look at the numbers: 20% of 5-year-olds wet the bed, 12% of 6-year-olds also, and 15% of children who wet the bed stop each year after the age of 6. You can use these numbers to estimate how much longer your child will wet the bed. If your child is 8 years old or older, there's a good chance they'll outgrow bedwetting soon. For younger children, keep in mind that most doctors don't consider bedwetting a problem until the child is older than 6. The American Academy of Pediatrics defines bedwetting as two or more incidents per week in children over age 5, or often enough to bother you, says Dr. Howard Bennett, pediatrician and author of the book Waking Up Dry: A Guide to Help Children Overcome Bedwetting. These days, however, bedwetting is easier to manage with protective bedding and underwear. Family history If a parent, aunt, or uncle wet the bed as a child, there's a chance that bedwetting will be passed down to your child. Family history can indicate when your child will outgrow the problem. "Genetics plays a big role in bedwetting," says Dr. Shubin. "So, look at what age older family members stopped wetting the bed. For example, if a parent or other family member outgrew bedwetting before the age of 7, then it's likely that your child will too." Expect relapses Even if your child has stayed dry for a few weeks, relapses are possible. Some children will have the occasional incident, even after a long break. And many children will gradually outgrow bedwetting as they grow. "My children didn't outgrow bedwetting all at once; it became less frequent, then it stopped," says Cynthia Sheldon, a mother from Elmwood, Nebraska. "That doesn't mean, however, that relapses will last long. Thirty days without an incident, and bedwetting is considered cured," says Dr. Bennett. "If there are relapses after that, it's temporary. Periodic relapses can be caused by disruptions to sleep patterns or changes in routine." Be encouraging Children can get frustrated when they wet the bed and not understand that relapses are normal, especially after they have regained confidence after a long period without incident. If your child wets the bed after an uneventful period, they may become discouraged and upset. The key to helping your child manage their feelings is to be supportive and realistic. “Prepare children for the possibility of bedwetting again,” says Dr. Bennett. “Let them talk and express their emotions, but give them realistic information. Explain things in a way they can understand and relate to their own situation, including using sports metaphors. For example, a softball team may have a great season with several wins in a row, but that doesn’t mean they will never lose another game.” Positive reinforcement can help your child manage the frustration of bedwetting relapses. Your support will help your child build self-esteem and manage embarrassment. Bedwetting is a developmental issue, not a behavioral one, says Dr. Shubin. Be empathetic and reward your child for doing things they can control, like limiting fluids before bedtime. Any parent with a child who wets the bed is eager for the day it stops. While a few nights in a row without incident won't conclude your child is done for good, it may mean the end is near. What matters is that you know the end will come. In the meantime, be encouraging and understanding toward your child and use products that make bedwetting easier to manage. The essentials about bedwetting According to Dr. Charles Shubin, the three main points to keep in mind when your child wets the bed are: Give it time. Your child will eventually outgrow bedwetting as he grows up. It's not your child's fault. Your child can't control bedwetting, so don't blame them. Control what you can. You can try to control certain bodily functions by limiting fluids in the evening and using bladder control techniques.