Travel: Tips for Stress-Free Vacations

We love long weekends, vacations, and visiting family. But with a bedwetting child, there are some additional things to consider when planning these trips to avoid stress. Lana Taylor Figgs of Westover, Maryland, knows how worrying vacationing with a child who suffers from bedwetting can be. "I have an 8-year-old daughter who still sleeps so soundly that she doesn't wake up to go to the bathroom," says Taylor Figgs. "This year, she became self-conscious about it. When we travel, I always make sure I have waterproof bed pads and disposable underwear." Travel stress Mary Coonts, a child development expert with CIGNA Pediatrics, says traveling with a bedwetter can put extra strain on both the child and the parents. A lot of stress can be caused by the fear of the child wetting the bed at a hotel or guesthouse, says Coonts. Parents may also have to inform relatives and friends about the child's bedwetting. It's wise to bring extra clothes and bedding. Often, the systems and routines you use at home can't be maintained while traveling. This disruption to routine can be stressful for a child who is already susceptible to bedwetting. However, it's important to reassure your child while traveling that everything will be okay. "As I often say, you can't control anything during sleep," says Coonts. "It's like a dream; you really can't control it. Most children think they're the only ones who have this problem." It's really very common. Tips for a stress-free trip Dr. Benjamin Danielson, clinical director and clinical director at Seattle Children's Hospital's Odessa Brown Children's Clinic, agrees that reassuring your child is a priority. The most important thing is that your child feels comfortable and safe. If they don't, it can trigger bedwetting, says Dr. Danielson. A child can be extremely embarrassed if this happens, and they'll probably already be uncomfortable sleeping in a strange bed. If they have a stuffed animal, blanket, or nightlight that helps comfort them, bring it along. Dr. Danielson also suggests parents make sure their child can easily get to the bathroom during the night. Before putting your child to bed, practice the trip to the bathroom and show them where the light switches are. Tell your child where you or any other adult will be sleeping, and let them know that if they get scared in the middle of the night, a responsible person is nearby, says Dr. Danielson. Your child's ability to cope with bedwetting will improve if you, the parent, understand that it's not their fault. If you're visiting relatives or friends, it's not a bad idea, though it can sometimes be awkward, to inform them in advance that your child wets the bed. Most adults are understanding, and they'll be more accepting if you help with the setup and cleanup after any accidents. Also, if your hosts can put your child in their own bed or sleeping bag, it can reduce the potential cleanup, says Dr. Danielson. If you can, it may be a good idea to use a plastic mattress protector or sleeping bag liner to prevent damage. Also, bring a spare set of sheets and clean pajamas. Dr. Benjamin Danielson offers the following tips to help you and your child have a wonderful, stress-free vacation: The important thing is to plan ahead. Think about the trip and where your child will sleep. Depending on the mode of transportation, destination, and timing of your trip, it can be difficult to find places to wash clothes and get clean sheets in case of bedwetting. Therefore, it's important to bring extra clothes. Using night pants provides a comfortable sleeping experience and reduces cleaning time, no matter where you are. If you are camping, bring a waterproof liner for sleeping bags and camper bunks. Limit liquids after dinner and encourage your children to use the bathroom before bedtime. If possible, make it easier for your child to get to the bathroom at night. If you are staying at a hotel, contact the hotel before your arrival and request an extra bed and set of sheets. And if your child wets the bed, stay calm and ask them to help you clean it up. Remember to reassure your child that everything is okay. Maintain a consistent bedtime routine . The things you normally do before bed shouldn't change because you're not home.